Privacy laws are legal rules and regulations that protect individuals' personal information, communications, and activities from unauthorized access or use by others. These laws aim to safeguard an individual's privacy rights in various contexts such as technology, healthcare, employment, and government surveillance.
Related terms
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA): HIPAA is a federal law in the United States that establishes privacy standards for protecting patients' medical records and other health-related information.
Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA): The ECPA is a federal law that governs how electronic communications are intercepted, disclosed, and accessed by law enforcement agencies. It extends privacy protections to electronic communication services like email and internet service providers.
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR): The GDPR is a comprehensive privacy regulation enacted by the European Union (EU) that gives individuals control over their personal data held by organizations. It sets rules for data protection and imposes penalties on non-compliance.