What does the purpose specification and use limitation principle emphasize for agencies?

The purpose specification and use limitation principle emphasizes the importance of transparency in the collection of personally identifiable information (PII) by agencies. This principle requires organizations to clearly articulate the specific reasons for collecting PII and to ensure that it is used only for those specified purposes. By providing a notice regarding the reasons for PII collection, agencies not only foster trust and transparency with individuals but also align with data protection regulations that advocate for accountability and responsibility in data handling.

This focus on informing individuals about the purpose of data collection helps establish clear expectations and enhances awareness regarding how their information will be used. It also serves to limit the agency's use of PII to only those specified purposes, safeguarding against misuse or unauthorized access.

In contrast, options that suggest unrestricted use of PII, unlimited employee access, or indefinite maintenance of PII do not align with the principles of data protection and privacy, which advocate for limited use and specified retention periods for personal information.