Privacy Act of 1974; Matching Program
By Interior Department, · Oct 1, 2026, 11:00 PM CDT
In accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, and Office of Management and Budget guidance on computer matching, the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) is providing notice of the establishment of a new matching program. The matching program will enable the 20 DOI programs listed in the appendix to compare records maintained in applicable DOI systems of records, including INTERIOR/ DOI
Excerpt shown under fair-use limits. Full text remains with the original publisher.
People in this coverage
Explore their history and attributable record. Being mentioned does not imply endorsement.
Layer 1 · Claims & fact checks
AI analysisLayer 3 · Reporting analysis
AI analysisLegal citationThe opening frames the action as legally mandated, lending authority and legitimacy to the program.
Technical enumerationDetailed listing of record systems emphasizes the breadth of data involved and signals comprehensive inter‑agency data sharing.
Purpose justificationThe stated goals frame the program as a fraud‑prevention and financial‑recovery measure, which can pre‑empt criticism about privacy intrusion.
Context
AI analysisMissing context
The notice does not explain the specific reasons prompting the creation of the matching program, any privacy impact assessments, how individuals can exercise rights under the Privacy Act, or any oversight mechanisms for the data sharing.
Important context
The program is grounded in federal law (Privacy Act of 1974) and OMB guidance, indicating that the DOI believes the data matching is permissible and necessary for financial integrity. It involves multiple DOI record systems and a Treasury system that tracks individuals or entities flagged for non‑payment.
Opinion vs. reporting
AI analysisThe notice is a factual, administrative announcement without editorial commentary; it reports planned agency actions rather than offering opinion.