[Verse 1]
When you fill out that SF-86 form
There's a law that keeps your data warm
Privacy Act of nineteen seventy-four
Five U-S-C five-fifty-two-a at the core
OPM must tell you where it goes
Publishing routine uses so everyone knows
[Chorus]
Privacy Act protects your information
But there's exceptions for the nation
Intelligence, law enforcement too
Congressional offices need authorization from you
Inspectors general, Merit Board as well
Insider threats and counterintel
[Verse 2]
Most disclosures need your written consent
But some exceptions the law has sent
Federal Register shows the routine ways
Your personal data travels through government maze
Security clearance background checks
Need special rules for what comes next
[Chorus]
Privacy Act protects your information
But there's exceptions for the nation
Intelligence, law enforcement too
Congressional offices need authorization from you
Inspectors general, Merit Board as well
Insider threats and counterintel
[Bridge]
Executive Order thirteen-five-eight-seven
Gives insider threat programs access to heaven
Of background data for security sake
To catch the threats before they break
Notarized signature for Congress requests
All other agencies follow what the law suggests
[Verse 3]
Your SF-86 isn't just a form
It's governed by a privacy storm
Of legal protections and disclosure rules
Understanding these are security tools
Know your rights and know the exceptions
For your clearance and your protections
[Chorus]
Privacy Act protects your information
But there's exceptions for the nation
Intelligence, law enforcement too
Congressional offices need authorization from you
Inspectors general, Merit Board as well
Insider threats and counterintel
[Outro]
Five-fifty-two-a keeps you safe
While national security finds its place