The laws, and what they mean in practice
Privacy, AI and cybersecurity laws that shape digital trust work, from the GDPR to every US state privacy law. Each entry says who it applies to, who enforces it and when, in plain words, with the sources. Free for everyone.
US federal 12
HIPAA
US federalGoverns protected health information held by the health care system and its vendors: permitted uses and disclosures, patient rights, security safeguards for electronic records, and breach notice.
FTC Act Section 5
US federalThe main federal privacy enforcement tool: unfair or deceptive practices, including privacy promises not kept and unreasonable security.
GLBA
US federalPrivacy notices and opt-outs for sharing customer financial information, and an information security program with specific safeguards under the Safeguards Rule.
COPPA
US federalVerifiable parental consent before collecting personal information from children under 13, with notice, access and deletion rights for parents.
CAN-SPAM
US federalHonest headers and subject lines, a postal address, and an opt-out honored within ten business days. No consent is required to send.
TCPA
US federalConsent rules for automated and prerecorded calls and texts, the National Do Not Call Registry, and statutory damages per call.
FCRA
US federalAccuracy, permissible purpose and dispute rights for consumer reports, including background checks for employment.
FERPA
US federalParent and eligible student rights over education records, and limits on disclosing them.
VPPA
US federalLimits disclosure of what video a person watched; now a frequent basis for lawsuits over tracking pixels on video pages.
GINA
US federalProhibits use of genetic information in employment and health insurance decisions.
SEC cyber disclosure
US federalDisclosure of material cybersecurity incidents within four business days of determining materiality, and annual disclosure of risk management and governance.
FTC HBNR
US federalBreach notice for health apps and similar services outside HIPAA, where unauthorized sharing counts as a breach.
This library explains laws for practitioners. It is not legal advice, and laws change: check the sources on each page and take advice from counsel before acting.