Saturday, October 6, 2007

Data

"Organizations that receive grants from USAID (the federal agency responsible for international aid) are strongly opposing a proposed new procedure and database to collect and retain personal information on individuals working for grantee organizations and subcontractors. The stated goal was to implement an executive order prohibiting dealings with individuals designated as terrorists as well as a specific Congressional requirement that no USAID funds go to any organization in the West Bank & Gaza that "advocates, plans, sponsors, engages in, or has engaged in, terrorist activity."

Much of the opposition to the plan was coordinated by InterAction (EIN 13-3287064 Form 990), which represents 165 US-based NGOs involved in international relief & development, who understandably are concerned about the collection of data, and the indication that USAID would not disclose whether any individuals passed or failed screening, making it difficult to identify and challenge incorrect information in the database. "

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