Electronic Communication Privacy Act
/ˌɛlɛkˈtrɒnɪk kəˌmjuːnɪˈkeɪʃən ˈpraɪvəsi ækt/
Definitions
- (n.) A U.S. federal law enacted in 1986 that prohibits unauthorized interception and disclosure of electronic communications, regulating government and private access to stored or transmitted electronic messages.
The Electronic Communication Privacy Act protects emails from unlawful surveillance.
Forms
- electronic communication privacy act
- electronic communication privacy acts
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Often abbreviated as ECPA, this statute is key in balancing privacy rights with law enforcement access in digital communications.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.