"What is Computer Privacy?"

*The degree to which an individual can determine which personal information is to be shared with whom and for what purpose. Although always a concern when users pass confidential information to vendors by phone, mail or fax, the Internet has brought this issue to the forefront. Web sites often have privacy policies that stipulate exactly what will be done with the information you enter. For more information, visit www.privacyalliance.org and www.epic.org. Contrast with confidentiality, which deals with unauthorized access to data. See privacy policy, CPO, EU Directive, GLB, HIPAA and P3P.

"Computer Privacy Under the Law"

• The Fair Credit Reporting Act (1970)
• Privacy Act of 1974
• Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (1974)
• Right to Financial Privacy Act (1978)
• Privacy Protection Act of 1980
• Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984
• Electronic Communications Privacy Act (1986)
• Video Privacy Protection Act of 1988
• Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991
• Driver's Privacy Protection Act of 1994
• Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act of 1994
• Telecommunications Act of 1996
• Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996
• Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) of 1998
• Financial Modernization Act (Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act) (2000)