Commerce Dept's New Media Tracker: Privacy Edition
Published Date: 4/14/2025
Notice
Summary
The Department of Commerce is launching a new system called COMMERCE/DEPT-30 to keep better track of public affairs info, like media contacts and historical records. This upgrade helps them organize and share important stories and data more easily, while protecting your privacy. The system starts on April 14, 2025, with full routine uses kicking in by May 14, 2025, and they’re open to your feedback before then!
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 4 costs, 2 mixed.
Disclosure to Other Agencies for Hiring and Licensing
The Department may disclose records from this system to Federal, state, local, tribal, or international agencies when relevant and necessary for matters such as assignment, hiring, retention, issuance of a security clearance, letting contracts, or issuance of a license, grant, or other benefit.
Digitization Into Searchable Format
The system expands the Department's ability to digitize existing libraries and make public affairs records searchable, including audio, video, images, transcripts, and textual materials.
New Public Affairs Records System
The Department of Commerce is creating a new system of records called COMMERCE/DEPT-30, Public Affairs Records. The system goes into effect on April 14, 2025, and its routine uses become effective on May 14, 2025.
Who May Be Included
The system may include current and former Department employees, media representatives, members of the public (including people who comment or assist on public-interest matters), nongovernmental organization representatives, state and local officials, and people who request information or are on mailing lists. The notice explicitly includes examples such as fishing vessel owners and individuals who invite Department principals to events.
Possible Public and Media Release
Records in the system may be disclosed for news, public relations, official agency social media, or community affairs purposes with approval, when there is a legitimate public interest or to demonstrate accountability, except where release would be an unwarranted invasion of privacy.
Sharing with Contractors and Non‑Federal Personnel
The Department may disclose records to contractors, agents, grantees, experts, consultants, student volunteers, and other non‑Federal workers to the extent necessary for them to perform assigned functions or contracts related to the system.
Access, Correction, and Retention Rules
Individuals may request access to, correct, or determine whether records about them exist under the Department's Privacy Act procedures in 15 CFR part 4, subpart B. Records will be maintained under NARA schedules and are generally destroyed when 3 years old or no longer needed, whichever is later.
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Key Dates
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