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A team member asks about Privacy and Data Protection in a compliance desk review while trying to choose the compliant next step. Which response should the file reviewer use?

Correct Answer

A) Follow privacy permissions before disclosure

Why this is correct: The governing concept for privacy and data protection is that a borrower's nonpublic personal information can only be shared in accordance with permissions granted under laws like GLBA and its Privacy Rule. The compliant action is always to "Follow privacy permissions before disclosure," meaning the lender must have the borrower's consent or another legal authorization to share their data. Why the other choices are wrong: Continuing the activity because the borrower appears willing to proceed is wrong because implied willingness is not a substitute for proper privacy permissions and disclosures. Ignoring the consumer-protection issue unless the borrower complains is wrong because privacy protections are proactive legal obligations. Using the anti-steering standard to decide the Privacy and Data Protection issue is wrong because anti-steering and privacy are distinct legal areas with different rules. Exam tip: Before disclosing borrower information, always verify you have the proper legal authority or consent.

Answer Options
A
Follow privacy permissions before disclosure
B
Continue the activity because the borrower appears willing to proceed.
C
Ignore the consumer-protection issue unless the borrower complains.
D
Use the anti-steering standard to decide the Privacy and Data Protection issue before confirming the trigger facts.

Why This Is the Correct Answer

The correct response is "Follow privacy permissions before disclosure" because Borrower information must be protected and shared only with authority.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

Option B: Continue the activity because the borrower appears willing to proceed.

Continue the activity because the borrower appears willing to proceed. is not correct because it does not apply the rule tested by this file scenario.

Option C: Ignore the consumer-protection issue unless the borrower complains.

Ignore the consumer-protection issue unless the borrower complains. is not correct because it does not apply the rule tested by this file scenario.

Option D: Use the anti-steering standard to decide the Privacy and Data Protection issue before confirming the trigger facts.

This distractor shifts the issue to a different trigger, product, or timing rule instead of applying the rule tested in the stem.

Memory Technique

borrower privacy and confidentiality: identify the rule being tested, then choose the action that documents or applies that rule before the file moves forward.

Exam Tip

Match the file facts to borrower privacy and confidentiality; do not choose an exception or shortcut that skips the required rule.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • -Choosing an internal exception instead of the governing rule
  • -Treating preliminary or informal facts as a substitute for required documentation
  • -Answering from a familiar but unrelated mortgage topic
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