Electronic Communications Privacy Act

The Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA), enacted in 1986, protects the privacy of electronic communications, such as emails and phone calls. It sets rules for how law enforcement can access these communications, requiring warrants for content stored for longer periods. The ECPA also includes provisions for the protection of stored data, ensuring that unauthorized access is illegal. However, it has been criticized for being outdated in the face of new technologies, as it doesn't fully address modern privacy concerns in our increasingly digital world. Overall, it aims to balance privacy rights with law enforcement needs.