House Passes Email Privacy Act (H.R. 387)

Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Email Privacy Act (H.R. 387). The bill updates the Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA), the law that sets standards for government access to private internet communications. Although ECPA was forward-thinking for its time, the developments of technology and communications in the 30 years since its passage have greatly surpassed its scope and the effectiveness of its policy direction.

“The Email Privacy Act recognizes the central role of email messages in modern society, and ensures that individuals and organizations can maintain their communications in reasonable confidence – requiring law enforcement to obtain a warrant based on probable cause for access,” said Brenda Leong, FPF’s Senior Counsel and Director of Strategy.

FPF has joined numerous other privacy and advocacy organizations to urge immediate passage of the bill. We will continue to keep you updated with developments as the bill moves through the Senate.