Which act is focused on protecting the privacy of electronic communications?

The Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA) is specifically designed to address privacy issues related to electronic communications. Enacted in 1986, the ECPA extends government restrictions on wire taps from telephone calls to include transmissions of electronic data by computer. It provides safeguards against unauthorized interception and access to electronic communications, such as emails and other forms of digital correspondence.

The Act establishes rules for how law enforcement can access electronic communications and data stored by service providers, requiring a warrant in many cases. Its purpose is to balance the need for law enforcement to obtain information in the course of investigations with the privacy rights of individuals in their electronic communications, making it a cornerstone of privacy protections in the digital age.