Which law regulates the collection of personal data in the United States?

The Fair Information Practices (FIPs) are principles designed to govern the collection and use of personal data. They provide a framework that emphasizes transparency, accountability, and individual rights regarding personal information. Enacted in response to growing concerns about privacy in data collection, FIPs help ensure that organizations inform individuals about how their data is being used, provide users with access to their data, and allow for the correction of inaccurate data.

While other regulations, like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), provide specific guidelines related to the healthcare industry, and the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act addresses computer-related crimes, they do not encompass the broader principles governing all types of personal data collection, which FIPs cover. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), while vital and comprehensive, pertains specifically to the European Union, not the United States. Thus, when considering a framework for personal data collection within the U.S., the Fair Information Practices are foundational and pivotal.