The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has been quietly demanding that state governments share detailed personal data about individuals who receive SNAP benefits (food stamps). The agency claims this data is needed to improve fraud detection, but privacy advocates and some state officials are alarmed, arguing that the scope of the data request is excessive and unclear in its legal basis.
🔑 Key Points:
- USDA has asked for detailed data, including names, Social Security numbers, and case histories of SNAP recipients.
- States were not fully informed about how the data would be used or secured.
- Privacy advocates criticize the move, calling it intrusive and potentially illegal.
- At least two states have pushed back, saying they need more legal clarity before complying.
- The USDA defends the data request as a fraud prevention strategy.
- Critics say it may discourage people from applying for aid.
