Balancing Data Sharing and Privacy: Enhancing Integrity and Trust in Government Programs

PIA

Background

The increasing digitization of government services aims to improve customer experience
by integrating systems and sharing data across agencies. While such integration can
streamline access and improve service delivery, it also raises concerns about the
potential exposure of sensitive personal information. Ensuring a balance between
effective data sharing and robust privacy protections is essential for maintaining public
trust and ensuring the integrity of government programs.

Project Description

The Program Integrity Alliance (PIA) contracted with the Academy to conduct a study to address the inherent tensions between increased data sharing and protecting individual privacy rights in the context of program integrity and fraud prevention. This study aims to explore how government agencies can expand data- sharing initiatives to prevent fraud while safeguarding personal information. Key research questions include:

• What are the benefits of data sharing in improving program integrity and preventing fraud?

• What are the privacy challenges associated with data sharing in federal government programs in the context of program integrity and fraud prevention?

• What potential legal, regulatory, or policy changes are needed to protect privacy while strengthening and expanding data-sharing initiatives across government agencies?

A research paper with findings and recommendations will be completed by February 28, 2025.