By Jamie Martin
Washington residents won a significant victory in a privacy protection case as a federal judge blocked the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) demand for personal data from Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients.
The preliminary injunction was issued after Attorney General Nick Brown joined a multistate lawsuit claiming that USDA’s request for sensitive information violated federal laws and constitutional rights. The injunction prevents USDA from enforcing its order until further court review.
“The last thing people struggling to put food on the table need to worry about is the federal government demanding access to their private information,” said Attorney General Brown. “I’m grateful that our coalition has secured this court order protecting Washingtonians’ privacy.”
SNAP, a crucial program funded federally and managed by states, provides billions in food assistance to families nationwide. Recipients trust that their private information will remain confidential under federal and state privacy laws.
The USDA’s demand, paired with threats to withhold administrative funding from noncompliant states, sparked widespread concern. Washington, which receives approximately $129.5 million each year to manage SNAP, could have faced severe funding interruptions impacting thousands of residents.
The judge’s ruling protects low-income households from potential privacy violations while ensuring the continuity of essential food programs. The decision also sets a precedent for federal accountability when handling citizens’ personal information.
This court order is a milestone in balancing data privacy and government oversight, reaffirming that protecting citizens’ rights must remain a top priority in public service programs.
Photo Credit: istock-fangxianuo
Categories: National