What does the Electronic Communication Privacy Act prohibit?

The Electronic Communication Privacy Act (ECPA) primarily addresses the interception of electronic communications, making the prohibition against unauthorized access or interception of such communications central to its purpose. This law protects the privacy of electronic communications in transit, ensuring that individuals' conversations and messages are safeguarded from eavesdropping by third parties without consent.

The ECPA establishes legal protections around various forms of communication, including email and phone calls, and applies to both governmental and non-governmental entities. Specifically, it requires that entities such as law enforcement agencies must obtain a warrant based on probable cause before intercepting electronic communications, underscoring the law's emphasis on privacy.

In contrast, the other options do not directly relate to the primary provisions of the ECPA. For instance, while the act may intersect with broader discussions about personal data or public Wi-Fi networks, its primary focus is on safeguarding the privacy of electronic communications against unauthorized interception. This specificity is what makes the prohibition against interception of electronic communications the correct and most relevant answer regarding the ECPA.