Electronic Communications Privacy Act of 1986 (EPCA)

The Electronic Communications Privacy Act of 1986 sets out the provisions for access, use, disclosure, interception and privacy protections of electronic communications. It covers various forms of wire and electronic communications, which is defined as “any transfer of signs, signals, writing, images, sounds, data, or intelligence of any nature transmitted in whole or in part by a wire, radio, electromagnetic, photo electronic or photo optical system that affects interstate or foreign commerce.”

The Electronic Communications Privacy Act prohibits unlawful access and certain disclosures of communication contents, and prevents government entities from requiring disclosure of electronic communications from a provider without proper procedure.