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USDA's food stamp data collection faces lawsuit

A federal lawsuit seeks to block the USDA's demand for food stamp recipients' personal data.

July 19, 2025 at 09:00 AM
blur Fight over food stamp recipients’ data ramps up : NPR

A federal lawsuit challenges USDA's demand for personal data from food stamp recipients.

USDA faces backlash over food stamp data collection

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is under pressure as states face a deadline to provide personal data for over 40 million food stamp recipients. This unprecedented requirement asks states to share details such as names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers by July 30, 2023. Critics, including SNAP recipients and a coalition of senators, are raising concerns about privacy and misuse of sensitive information. They argue that this move could transform a vital assistance program into a tracking tool for surveillance and immigration enforcement. A federal lawsuit has been filed to block the data collection, claiming violations of federal privacy laws.

Key Takeaways

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USDA demands extensive personal data from food stamp recipients by July 30.
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Over 40 million people are affected by this data collection.
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Privacy advocates challenge USDA in a federal lawsuit.
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Concerns about data misuse and government surveillance are rising.
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Democratic senators express strong opposition to the USDA's measures.
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States face potential funding loss if they do not comply.

"I am worried my personal information will be used for things I never intended."

A SNAP recipient expresses fears about potential misuse of data.

"This policy would turn a program that feeds millions of Americans into a tool of government mass surveillance."

Democratic senators voice concerns about the USDA's data requirement.

"The bottom line is that this administration can't attempt to basically override that by issuing this overbroad SORN."

An attorney criticizes USDA's plan for its broad use of SNAP data.

"Now, this notice from the federal government says they plan to share my data with other federal agencies."

A SNAP recipient questions the intended use of her personal data.

This situation reveals a growing tension between government oversight and the protection of personal data. Many fear the potential misuse of sensitive information in the name of program integrity. With public trust at stake, the USDA's actions might not only affect SNAP recipients today but could also set an alarming precedent for future government data collection policies. As the legal battle unfolds, it exemplifies the fine line between enforcing regulations and safeguarding individual rights.

Highlights

  • Privacy should come before data collection.
  • Americans deserve to know how their data is used.
  • SNAP data collection could lead to mass surveillance.
  • This move transforms assistance into tracking.

Concerns over privacy and data misuse

The USDA's demand for SNAP recipients' data raises alarms about potential misuse and surveillance, prompting legal action. This issue could lead to significant privacy violations.

The outcome of this lawsuit could reshape the landscape for government data collection.

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