Doe v. Chao

The issue in this case is whether Congress intended to guarantee at least $1,000 for every violation of the Privacy Act regardless of whether the plaintiff is able to demonstrate actual damages. Plaintiffs in this challenge sought damages after their Social Security Numbers had been disclosed. The ACLU argues in its brief that the $1,000 floor was seen as critical by Congress to ensure that the protections of the Privacy Act are actually enforced.