Utilizing Contemporaneous Direct Statements — Utilizing Contemporaneous Direct Statements

A core principle of fair information practices is to gather details directly from the subject whenever possible. Under the Privacy Act of 1974, federal agencies are directed to collect information, to the greatest extent practicable, directly from the individual when it may result in adverse determinations.

This statutory guideline minimizes the risk of relying on inaccurate secondhand summaries or rumors. Emulating this approach by seeking direct statements can improve the accuracy of any personal profile.