Management Information System (MIS) Practice Exam

Which Act made it significantly harder for eavesdropping on phone conversations?

1. Electronic Communication Modernization

2. Internet Privacy

3. Gramm-Leach-Bliley

4. Electronic Communications Privacy

The correct answer is: Electronic Communications Privacy

The Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA) is designed to protect the privacy of electronic communications. Enacted in 1986, it primarily addresses the interception of communications, including telephone calls and emails, by establishing legal guidelines that law enforcement must follow to access the contents of electronic communications. The ECPA also set forth restrictions on how third parties, such as service providers, can disclose or divulge the contents of communications they handle. This legislation reflects the increasing recognition of privacy concerns in the context of rapid advancements in communication technologies. This Act significantly raised the bar for legal access to private communications, making illicit eavesdropping much harder, as it requires a warrant or specific statutory authority for law enforcement to intercept communications. By strengthening the legal framework around privacy, the ECPA plays a crucial role in safeguarding individuals against unauthorized surveillance and ensuring a higher level of confidentiality in communication practices. The other options do not specifically focus on prohibiting eavesdropping on phone conversations. For instance, the Electronic Communication Modernization and Internet Privacy acts may deal with aspects of digital communication and privacy but do not have the same targeted regulations regarding the interception of communications as the ECPA. Likewise, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act pertains more to financial privacy and the confidentiality of