ECPA

The Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA) is a U.S. law enacted in 1986 that protects private communications, such as emails and phone calls, from unlawful interception and access. It sets rules for government access to electronic data, requiring warrants for certain types of information. The Act encompasses three main areas: wiretaps, stored electronic communications, and pen registers (which track phone number dialing). While ECPA aimed to safeguard privacy in the digital age, critics argue that it has not kept pace with technology advancements, potentially leaving some communications less protected than intended.