Washington State Attorney General Files Lawsuit Against Fidelity Information Services to Safeguard Food Assistance Beneficiary Data
Olympia, WA – July 24, 2025 – The Office of the Attorney General (AGO) for Washington State announced today that Attorney General Bob Ferguson has filed a lawsuit against Fidelity Information Services (FIS) concerning the protection of sensitive personal data belonging to individuals applying for or receiving food assistance benefits. The lawsuit, filed on July 24, 2025, aims to ensure the security and privacy of this vulnerable population.
The legal action stems from allegations that FIS, a company contracted to provide services related to Washington’s food assistance programs, failed to adequately protect the personally identifiable information (PII) of program beneficiaries. The AGO’s investigation, which led to the filing of this lawsuit, is focused on ensuring that the data entrusted to FIS is handled with the utmost care and security, as required by law and ethical standards.
“Our office is committed to protecting the fundamental rights of all Washingtonians, especially those who rely on essential public services like food assistance,” stated Attorney General Ferguson. “The personal data of individuals seeking to feed their families is incredibly sensitive, and any breach or mishandling of this information can have profound consequences. We are taking this action to hold FIS accountable and to reinforce the importance of robust data security for all government contractors.”
While specific details of the alleged failures will be further illuminated through the legal process, the lawsuit underscores the critical need for all entities handling sensitive personal data to adhere to stringent security protocols and contractual obligations. The AGO is seeking to ensure that beneficiaries of the food assistance program can trust that their information is safeguarded against unauthorized access, use, or disclosure.
The Attorney General’s office routinely works to protect consumers and citizens from unfair or deceptive practices, and this lawsuit represents a continuation of that commitment. The legal action against FIS is designed not only to address the specific issues raised but also to serve as a deterrent to other companies that may be involved in handling sensitive government program data.
The AGO encourages anyone who believes their personal information may have been compromised or who has concerns about data privacy to visit the Attorney General’s website or contact their office directly. Further updates on this ongoing legal matter will be provided as they become available.
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AGO News Releases published ‘AG Brown files a lawsuit against Fidelity Information Services to protect the personal data of people who apply for or receive food assistance benefits’ at 2025-07-24 20:53. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.