What does SORN refer to?

SORN stands for System of Record Notice. This term is critical within the context of privacy and data management as it refers to the formal announcement that federal agencies are required to publish when they establish or modify a system of records that contains personal information. This notice provides transparency to the public about what data is collected, how it is maintained, and the purposes for which it is used. By having a SORN, individuals are informed about the types of records being kept and their rights concerning those records. This aligns with the principles of the Privacy Act of 1974, which emphasizes the importance of protecting personal information held by government agencies.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the standard terminology used in this context. For instance, while "Standard Operational Records Notice" and "Security Operations Record Notice" contain phrases that may suggest documentation of procedures or security practices, they are not recognized terms related to the management of personal data in federal records. Similarly, "Standard Organizational Reporting Notice" does not pertain to the established protocols around the handling of personal information in federal systems.