Electronic Communications Privacy Act ( Ecpa ) - 1486 Words

Abstract The Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA) was a pretty progressive law at the time it was enacted. It enhanced the privacy protection that was originally delineated in the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 by also adding communication protection for pagers, email, cell phones, service providers, and computer transmissions. The ECPA addressed the legal privacy issues that were surfacing with the rising use of networks, computers and other new innovations in electronic communications. The first large computers had been built as early as the 1950s, with the first development of a mass-market microcomputer starting in 1977. The development of ARPANET in the late 1960s and early 1970s would eventually lead to†¦show more content†¦The ECPA safeguards electronic, oral, and wire communications during creation, in transit, in storage and relates to electronic mail, phone conversations, and data that is stored electronically. The intended purpose of the legisla tion is to reassure customers that their private information will remain secure from public exposure. The ECPA includes three main provisions for communications privacy titled the Wiretap Act, Stored Communications Act, and Pen-Register Act. Wiretap Act The Wiretap Act has provisions that safeguard an individual’s telephonic and computer-based voice communications from being captured, used or released by another individual. This Act prohibits the listen in on and electronic bugging, the physical custody of bugging or tapping equipment, as well as the â€Å"use or disclosure of information unlawfully obtained† from the use of said equipment.† (Unknown, 2013). The Act also provides exceptions for service providers, in specific instances, and for law enforcement to perform electronic eavesdropping, under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. It affords processes for government entities to acquire judicial consent for obtaining such communications, and controls the usage and release of this information acquired from legal eavesdropping. Stored Communications Act The Stored Communications Act encompasses the rights ofShow MoreRelatedEssay on Employees Rights in the Workplace979 Words   |  4 Pagesthat it is a tortuous invasion of privacy for an employer to monitor employee telephone conversions. Similarly, mail carried through the U.S. postal service is granted a high level of protection. However, much employee communication now takes place over private and public networks via e-mail, or voice mail. These forms of communication are very different from telephone calls and letters. For example, after transmission and receipt, these communications are stored for an indefinite periodRead MoreThe Internet And The Rights Of Private Citizens1369 Words   |  6 Pagesdemocratizing communication ever to tie people across the globe together. Anyone with some simple computer equipment can communicate their ideas to countless people at one time through what can truly be called the world s first true mass media. Serving as a tool for community organizing and citizen participation it stimulates tolerance and encourages mutual consideration by joining people from all over the world. It is multifaceted indispensible tool for freedom. If free speech and privacy rights doRead More EMail Privacy Rights In Business Essay4408 Words   |  18 PagesE-mail Privacy Rights In Business I. Abstract How far we have come in such a small time. 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However , there is the constant increase and enhancement in technology and the growing value of information for use in decision making. Between these two facts, the definition of privacy becomes unclear and allows people to gather information that one might deem confidential. Privacy has been manipulated in efforts claiming that as long as it is beneficial in the long run to a wholesome amount of people thenRead MoreEssay On The Use Of Monitoring Techniques Used In The Workplace902 Words   |  4 Pagescreate poor working environment and violates privacy rights. The most important reason why monitoring devices should not be installed in offices is that they violate the privacy rights of employees. As stated in Title I of the ECPA, which is often referred to as the Wiretap Act:† Prohibits the intentional actual or attempted interception, use of any other person to intercept or endeavor to intercept any wire, oral, or electronic communication. 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