In June 1996, it was revealed that the White House had requested and obtained the FBI records on over 400 individuals without their permission. Other unconfirmed news reports now say that as many as 900 files might have been pulled. Many of those individuals were former employees during the previous Republican Administrations. Congress is now investigating the affair and had held several hearings. In addition, many of the individuals are considering filing actions against the FBI for violation of the 1974 Privacy Act.
Updated - July 10, 1996. Revalidated - August 17, 2009.
FBI General Counsel's report on the affair.
FBI press release on new procedures for dissemination of files.
The Privacy Act of 1974.
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Last modified: July 10, 1996