Attorneys general file lawsuit against the federal government over request for SNAP beneficiary data

New York.- A coalition of attorneys general from twenty states initiated legal action against the Donald Trump administration following the federal requirement to collect personal information from those who receive assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

The lawsuit, filed in California, challenges the Department of Agriculture’s order requiring states to provide names, dates of birth, social security numbers, and addresses of SNAP beneficiaries for the past five years. Prosecutors argue that the measure is not justified in preventing fraud and could affect the privacy of millions of people.

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Among the states participating in the lawsuit are New York, Michigan, and California. Officials maintain that the data request could generate distrust in assistance programs and deter eligible people from applying for food assistance.

The Department of Agriculture warned that states that do not comply with the delivery of the information could face the suspension of federal funds. The lawsuit was filed before the deadline set by the federal agency.

The case adds to other legal processes related to the use of personal data in public policies and could have repercussions for those who depend on SNAP across the country.