Texas Security Guard License Practice Exam

Which federal law protects an individual's right to privacy?

1. The Freedom of Information Act

2. The Privacy Act of 1974

3. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act

4. The Americans with Disabilities Act

The correct answer is: The Privacy Act of 1974

The Privacy Act of 1974 is designed specifically to safeguard individuals' personal information held by federal agencies. This law regulates the collection, maintenance, use, and dissemination of personally identifiable information, ensuring that individuals have certain rights regarding their information. It provides individuals with the right to access their records, request corrections, and prohibits federal agencies from disclosing their information without their consent, except under specific circumstances. The act plays a crucial role in protecting privacy in the context of government databases and records. In comparison, while the Freedom of Information Act promotes transparency in government by allowing public access to government records, it does not inherently provide personal privacy protections for individuals. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) focuses on protecting medical information and privacy specifically related to healthcare, rather than general personal information. The Americans with Disabilities Act addresses discrimination and accessibility for individuals with disabilities, and while it involves considerations of personal privacy, it is not primarily focused on the right to privacy itself.