Local Rule Rule 5.2: Privacy Protection for Filings Made with the Court

RULE 5.2 PRIVACY PROTECTION FOR FILINGS MADE WITH THE COURT

(a) Restrictions on Personal Identifiers in Filings.

In compliance with the policy of the Judicial Conference of the United States and the E-Government Act of 2002, and in order to promote electronic access to case files while also protecting personal privacy and other legitimate interests, parties shall refrain from including, or shall partially redact, where inclusion is necessary, the following personal data identifiers from all documents filed with the court, including exhibits, whether filed electronically or in paper, unless otherwise ordered by the court:

(1) Social Security Numbers. If an individual's social security number must be included in a document, only the last four digits of that number should be used.

(2) Names of Minor Children. If the involvement of a minor child must be mentioned, only the initials of that child shall be used.

(3) Dates of Birth. If an individual's date of birth must be included in a document, only the year shall be used.

(4) Financial Account Numbers. If financial account numbers are relevant, only the last four digits of these numbers shall be used.

(5) Home address. Limited to city and state.

(b) Restricted Filings.

A party wishing to file a document containing the personal data identifiers listed above may file a CM/ECF Restricted Copy of the unredacted document. The Court may, however, still require the party to file a redacted copy for public viewing.

(c) Responsibility for Redaction.

The responsibility for redacting these personal identifiers rests solely with counsel and the parties. The clerk will not review each pleading for compliance with this rule.