Access

The Privacy Act generally gives individuals the right to obtain access to records about themselves held by the federal government. 5 U.S.C. 552a(d).

However, under subsection (j), the right of access does not apply to records exempted by the head of an agency if the records are maintained by the CIA or by a law enforcement agency. Furthermore, under subsection (k), the head of an agency may exempt from subsection (d) any classified information and any investigatory material compiled for law enforcement purposes.