IAPP Updated CIPP-US Exam Questions and Answers by malik

The FTC’s privacy report, titled “Protecting Consumer Privacy in an Era of Rapid Change”, proposed a framework for companies that collect and use consumer data. The framework consisted of three core principles: privacy by design, simplified consumer choice, and greater transparency. Privacy by design means that companies should incorporate privacy protections into their everyday business practices, such as data security, reasonable collection limits, sound retention practices, and data accuracy. Simplified consumer choice means that companies should provide consumers with clear and easy-to-understand choices about the collection and use of their data, and respect their preferences. Greater transparency means that companies should increase the visibility and accessibility of their data practices, such as providing clear and concise privacy notices, educating consumers about the commercial datapractices, and providing consumers with access to their data. Enhancing security measures is not one of the core principles of the FTC’s privacy framework, although it is a component of the privacy by design principle. References:

IAPP CIPP/US Body of Knowledge, Section I.A.1.a

IAPP CIPP/US Textbook, Chapter 1, pp. 13-15

FTC Privacy Report, Executive Summary, pp. i-vii

The Electronic Communications Privacy Act of 1986 (ECPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of wire, oral, and electronic communications while they are being made, in transit, or stored on computers1. The ECPA has three titles: Title I prohibits the intentional interception, use, or disclosure of wire, oral, or electronic communications, except for certain exceptions, such as consent, provider protection, or law enforcement purposes2. Title II, also known as the Stored Communications Act (SCA), prohibits the unauthorized access to or disclosure of stored wire or electronic communications, such as email, voicemail, or online messages, except for certain exceptions, such as consent, provider protection, or law enforcement purposes3. Title III regulates the installation and use of pen register and trap and trace devices, which record thenumbers dialed to or from a telephone line, but not the content of the communications4.

Therefore, the action that is prohibited under the ECPA is intercepting electronic communications and unauthorized access to stored communications, which are covered by Title I and Title II of the Act, respectively. The other actions are not prohibited by the ECPA, as long as they comply with the exceptions and requirements of the Act. For example, monitoring all employee telephone calls or monitoring employee telephone calls of a personal nature may be allowed if the employer has a legitimate business purpose, has obtained the consent of the employees, or has a court order5. Accessing stored communications with the consent of the sender or recipient of the message is also allowed under the ECPA, as consent is one of the exceptions to the prohibition of unauthorized access3.

References: 1: Electronic Communications Privacy Act of 1986 (ECPA), Bureau of Justice Assistance. 2: 18 U.S. Code Chapter 119 - WIRE AND ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS INTERCEPTION AND INTERCEPTION OF ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, Legal Information Institute. 3: 18 U.S. Code Chapter 121 - STORED WIRE AND ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS AND TRANSACTIONAL RECORDS ACCESS, Legal Information Institute. 4: 18 U.S. Code Chapter 206 - PEN REGISTERS AND TRAP AND TRACE DEVICES, Legal Information Institute. 5: Monitoring Employees’ Phone Calls and E-Mail, FindLaw.

A consent decree is a settlement agreement between the FTC and a company that has engaged in unfair or deceptive privacy practices. A consent decreetypically requires the company to stop the unlawful conduct, implement remedial measures, pay a civil penalty, and submit to ongoing monitoring and reporting. A consent decree benefits both parties involved because it spares the expense of going to trial, which can be costly, time-consuming, and uncertain. A consent decree also allows the parties to negotiate the terms of the settlement, rather than having a court impose a judgment. A consent decree does not admit liability or wrongdoing by the company, but it has the force of law and can be enforced by the FTC or the courts if the company violates its terms. References:

IAPP CIPP/US Body of Knowledge, Section I.A.1.a

IAPP CIPP/US Textbook, Chapter 1, pp. 10-11

FTC Consent Decrees

According to the FTC report, the most important directive for businesses is to adopt a “privacy by design” approach, which means integrating privacy protections throughout the entire product lifecycle, from initial design to disposal. This includes implementing reasonable security measures, collecting only the data needed for a specific purpose, retaining data only as long as necessary, and safely disposing of data that is no longer needed. The FTC report also recommends that businesses provide clear and transparent privacy notices, offer consumers meaningful choices about how their data is used, and increase their accountability for data practices. References: FTC Report, IAPP CIPP/US Study Guide (p. 32-33)