How to Learn About What Is Protected Under Privacy Laws

Privacy laws protect the privacy rights of individuals. Some privacy laws are general privacy laws which can affect all aspects of collecting personal information. Others are specific laws which are intended to protect certain types of personal information.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet Access

Research What is Protected Under Privacy Laws

1. Visit the Federal Trade Commission Web site to learn about how the FTC is protecting consumers (see Resources below). The FTC provides links to privacy laws regarding protected financial privacy, credit reporting and children's privacy as well as unfairness and deception against consumers.
2. Search U.S. Codes (see Resources below) for the text of privacy laws regarding Internet and computer activity. You can find the text for the Computer Fraud & Abuse Act of 1984 and other relevant code concerning privacy in regards to computers and information.
3. Get information on medical privacy rights protected under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 or HIPAA (see Resources below). You can learn about protecting health information and how to file a related medical privacy complaint.
4. Explore resources on the Office for Victims of Crime Web site (see Resources below). The OVC offers support to identity theft victims and supplies links to government resources for additional information.

Tips & Warnings

• Review both state and federal laws to understand what your privacy rights are. Most privacy violations are dealt with at the state level.