Case: EPIC v. United States Postal Service
1:21-cv-02156 | U.S. District Court for the District of District of Columbia
Filed Date: Aug. 12, 2021
Case Ongoing
Clearinghouse coding complete
Case Summary
On August 12, 2021, the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) filed this lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of District of Columbia against the United States Postal Service and United States Postal Inspection Service (the Services). The court assigned the case to Judge Trevor N. McFadden.
EPIC sought declaratory and injunctive relief, alleging that the Services violated the Administrative Procedure Act. Specifically, the EPIC alleged that the Services violated the Administrative Procedure Act when it failed to conduct and publish a Privacy Impact Assessment as required by the E-Government Act of 2002.
EPIC alleged that the Postal Service failed to conduct and publish a Privacy Impact Assessment related to the Internet Covert Operation Program (iCOP). iCOP aimed to identify black market trading and other illegal activities within the postal systems through technology surveillance. The surveillance collected identifiable information such as names, biographical info, and facial imaging to trace and identify individuals involved in the alleged illegal activity. EPIC, citing the Government Accountability Office, alleged that the Services used iCOP technology to identify individuals involved in civil unrest, protest, and riots during the summer of 2020. EPIC unsuccessfully attempted to locate the Privacy Impact Assessment through a FOIA request and directly requesting a copy from the Services. As of February 3, 2022, the case was ongoing.
Summary Authors
Jonah Hudson-Erdman (9/12/2021)
Betsy Sheppard (2/5/2022)
People
For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/60149255/parties/electronic-privacy-information-center-v-united-states-postal-service/
McFadden, Trevor Neil (District of Columbia)
Butler, Alan (District of Columbia)
Davisson, John L. (District of Columbia)
Documents in the Clearinghouse
Resources
Docket
See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/60149255/electronic-privacy-information-center-v-united-states-postal-service/
Last updated Aug. 29, 2026, 5 a.m.
Docket for: ELECTRONIC PRIVACY INFORMATION CENTER v. UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE
Case Details
State / Territory:
Case Type(s):
Key Dates
Filing Date: Aug. 12, 2021
Case Ongoing: Yes
Plaintiffs
Plaintiff Description:
The Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC), a Washington, D.C. nonprofit organization established in 1994 to focus public attention on emerging privacy and civil liberties issues.
Plaintiff Type(s):
Non-profit NON-religious organization
Public Interest Lawyer: Yes
Filed Pro Se: No
Class Action Sought: No
Class Action Outcome: Not sought
Defendants
Federal
United States Postal Inspection Service
United States Postal Service
US Postal Inspection Service
US Postal Service
Case Details
Causes of Action:
Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. §§ 551 et seq.
Other Dockets:
District of District of Columbia 1:21-cv-02156
Available Documents:
Outcome
Prevailing Party: None Yet / None
Relief Granted:
Source of Relief:
Issues
General/Misc.:
Case Summary of EPIC v. United States Postal Service, Civil Rights Litig. Clearinghouse, https://clearinghouse.net/case/18189/ (last updated 2/5/2022).