This information memorandum describes three federal laws which govern public access to federal records and the treatment of personally identifiable information by federal agencies or under federal programs. It is noted that these laws generally apply only to federal agencies in the executive branch of government. The first of four major sections of the memorandum provides background information on the purposes of, or concerns which led to the enactment of the three laws, and a brief summary of each law. Focusing on the Freedom of Information Act, the second section covers publication of information about policies and procedures, public inspection and copying of specified records, public inspection of all other records, exceptions, protection of privacy, indexes, fees, remedies, and reports to Congress. The third section describes the Privacy Act of 1974, including: records covered; exceptions; notice and opportunity to comment; record collection; instruction of personnel and other safeguards; record maintenance; disclosure; disclosure log; individual access and opportunity to challenge; agency rules--notice of disclosure, procedures for individual access and fees; restrictions on keeping records on the exercise of First Amendment rights; notice of subpoenaed records; selling or renting lists; social security numbers; civil remedies and criminal penalties; government contractors; reports; and the Privacy Protection Study Commission. The description of the Computer Matching and Privacy Protection Act of 1988 includes records covered, exceptions, matching agreement requirement and contents, notices of agreements, term of agreement, verification, opportunity to contest, limitations on disclosure and agreement renewal, data integrity boards, cost-benefit analysis, appeal of disapproval, and reports. (BBM)