Legislation
that was signed into law in December 2002 that aims to give the public easier
online access to the data and services that the federal government collects and
disseminates. The law is intended to remove information barriers between the
various federal agencies. The legislation encourages different government agencies
to use the same software system, which would allow the agencies’ computer
systems to communicate with each other. The law also increases public input on
what government forms and information should be published on the Internet by
establishing public comment periods. Agencies also are required to conduct a
privacy impact assessment each time they buy new technology systems.