Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA) of 1986
The Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA) of 1986 prohibits wire or electronic service providers from releasing information regarding customers' communications, unless the release is specifically authorized by a court order, subpoena, warrant, or other exception.
Additional Information
Improperly releasing such information can result in the provider being ordered to pay penalties. However, ECPA provides a safe harbor for service providers that improperly release information in good faith reliance on a court order, subpoena, or warrant.
