Prioritize Direct First-Person Statements — Prioritize Direct First-Person Statements

The Privacy Act of 1974 requires federal agencies to collect information to the greatest extent practicable directly from the subject individual when it may result in adverse determinations.

While this is a legal requirement for federal agencies, it also serves as a strong ethical model for media writers. Relying on direct statements from the individual, rather than unverified third-party rumors, helps prevent the spread of inaccurate personal details.