Internet Laws
The internet is a vast and complex place, and as such, it is subject to a wide range of laws and regulations. These laws are designed to protect the rights and privacy of internet users, as well as to ensure that the internet remains a safe and secure environment for all.
The 1974 Privacy Act
The Privacy Act of 1974 is a federal law that establishes a code of fair information practices
that governs the collection, maintenance, use, and dissemination of information about individuals
that is maintained in systems of records by federal agencies. The Privacy Act requires that agencies
give the public notice of their systems of records by publication in the Federal Register. The Privacy
Act prohibits the disclosure of information from a system of records absent the written consent of the
subject individual, unless the disclosure is pursuant to one of twelve statutory exceptions.
Privacy Act of 1974
Section 508 of The Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a federal law that requires federal agencies to
make their electronic and information technology accessible to people with disabilities. The law
applies to all federal agencies when they develop, procure, maintain, or use electronic and information
technology. Under Section 508, federal agencies must ensure that their electronic and information
technology is accessible to people with disabilities, including employees and members of the public.
IT Accessibility Laws and Policies
The Electronic Communications Privacy Act of 1986
The Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA) is a federal law that governs the interception of
wire, oral, and electronic communications. The ECPA prohibits the interception of wire, oral, and
electronic communications without the consent of at least one party to the communication. The ECPA
also prohibits the disclosure of the contents of wire, oral, and electronic communications without
the consent of at least one party to the communication. The ECPA has been the subject of several
legal challenges, and some of its provisions have been struck down by the courts as unconstitutional.
Electronic Communications Privacy Act of 1986 (ECPA)
Electronic Privacy Information Center
The Computer Fraud and Abuse Act
The Computer Fraud and Abuse Act is a federal law that makes it illegal to access a computer
without authorization or in excess of authorization. The CFAA also prohibits the use of a computer
to obtain information that is protected by law, such as trade secrets or classified information.
The CFAA has been used to prosecute a wide range of computer-related crimes, including hacking,
identity theft, and the distribution of malware.
9-48.000 - Computer Fraud and Abuse Act
The Communications Decency Act of 1995
The Communications Decency Act of 1995 is a federal law that regulates indecent and obscene material
on the internet. The CDA makes it illegal to knowingly transmit obscene or indecent material to minors
over the internet. The CDA has been the subject of several legal challenges, and some of its provisions
have been struck down by the courts as unconstitutional.
Department of Justice's Review of Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996
Children's Online Privacy Protection Rule
The Children's Online Privacy Protection Rule (COPPA) is a federal law that requires websites and
online services that are directed at children under the age of 13 to obtain verifiable parental
consent before collecting personal information from children. The COPPA also requires websites and
online services to post privacy policies that explain how they collect, use, and disclose personal
information from children. The COPPA has been the subject of several legal challenges, and some of
its provisions have been struck down by the courts as unconstitutional.
Children's Online Privacy Protection Rule (COPPA)