IAPP CIPP-US Certified Information Privacy Professional/United States (CIPP/US) Exam Practice Test

 The law that ACME violated by designing the service to prevent access to the information by a law enforcement agency is the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (CALEA)1. CALEA is a federal law that requires telecommunications carriers and manufacturers of telecommunications equipment to design their equipment, facilities, and services to ensure that they have the necessarysurveillance capabilities to comply with legal requests for interception of communications2. CALEA applies to all commercial messages, including text messages, and gives law enforcement agencies the authority to subpoena the records of such communications from the service providers3. By encrypting its text message records so that only the suspect could access this data, ACME violated CALEA’s duty to cooperate in the interception of communications for law enforcement purposes. References: 1: Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act - Wikipedia2: Home | CALEA® | The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc.3: Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act : IAPP CIPP/US Certified Information Privacy Professional Study Guide, Chapter 6: Law Enforcement and National Security Access, p. 177

The Electronic Communications Privacy Act of 1986 (ECPA) is a federal law that regulates the privacy of wire, oral, and electronic communications. The ECPA prohibits the intentional interception, use, or disclosure of such communications, unless authorized by law or by the consent of one of the parties to the communication12. The ECPA also provides exceptions for certain types of communications, such as those made in the normal course of business, those made for law enforcement purposes, or those made for foreign intelligence purposes12.

One of the exceptions to the ECPA ban on interception is where one of the parties has given consent. This means that if a person who is a party to a communication agrees to have it intercepted, the interception is lawful under the ECPA. Consent can be express or implied, depending on the circumstances and the expectations of the parties3. For example, if a person calls a customer service line and hears a recorded message that the call may be monitored or recorded, the person has impliedly consented to the interception of the call. However, if a person calls a friend and does not know that the friend has a third party listening in on the call, the person has not consented to the interception of the call.

References: 1: Electronic Communications Privacy Act of 1986, 18 U.S.C. §§ 2510-2523 2: [IAPP CIPP/US Study Guide], Chapter 8, Section 8.2.1. 3: [Searching and Seizing Computers and Obtaining Electronic Evidence in Criminal Investigations], pp. 77-78.

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a federal law that provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year for certain family and medical reasons, such as the birth or adoption of a child,the serious health condition of the employee or a family member, or a qualifying exigency arising from the employee’s spouse, child, or parent being on covered active duty or call to covered active duty status in the Armed Forces. The FMLA also provides eligible employees with up to 26 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year to care for a covered service member with a serious injury or illness if the employee is the spouse, child, parent, or next of kin of the service member. The FMLA applies to all public agencies, including state, local, and federal employers, and local education agencies (schools), and to private sector employers who employ 50 or more employees for at least 20 workweeks in the current or preceding calendar year.

The FMLA often requires employers to collect medical information from employees who request FMLA leave or from their health care providers to certify the need for leave, the duration of leave, and the employee’s ability to return to work. The FMLA regulations specify the type and amount of information that employers may request and require for different types of FMLA leave, such as:

Basic medical facts, such as the diagnosis, symptoms, hospitalization, doctor visits, whether medication has been prescribed, and any referrals for evaluation or treatment, for the employee’s own serious health condition or that of a family member.

Information on the medical necessity of intermittent leave or reduced schedule leave and the expected frequency and duration of such leave, for the employee’s own serious health condition or that of a family member, or for planned medical treatment.

A statement of the facts regarding the qualifying exigency, such as the type of military duty, the dates of the covered active duty, and the contact information of the military member, for leave due to a qualifying exigency arising from the employee’s spouse, child, or parent being on covered active duty or call to covered active duty status in the Armed Forces.

Information on the medical condition, treatment, and recovery of the covered service member, such as the date of injury or onset of illness, the current medical status, the prognosis, and the estimated time of treatment, for leave to care for a covered service member with a serious injury or illness.

The FMLA also imposes certain obligations on employers to protect the privacy and security of the medical information they collect from employees or their health care providers. For example, employers must:

Maintain records and documents relating to medical certifications, recertifications, or medical histories of employees or employees’ family members as confidential medical records in separate files/records from the usual personnel files, and if the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) applies, such records must be maintained in conformance with ADA confidentiality requirements.

Ensure that any electronic systems used to maintain such records meet the confidentiality requirements of the FMLA and the ADA, and that only authorized persons have access to such records.

Limit the disclosure of such records to supervisors and managers who need to know about an employee’s FMLA leave, first aid and safety personnel when an employee’s medical condition might require emergency treatment, and government officials investigating compliance with the FMLA.

Comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule when requesting medical information from an employee’s health care provider, such as obtaining a valid authorization from the employee or using a HIPAA-compliant certification form.

Refrain from requesting more information than allowed by the FMLA regulations, such as asking for an employee’s complete medical records or information unrelated to the FMLA leave request.

Respect the employee’s right to revoke a medical authorization or challenge a medical certification, and follow the procedures for resolving disputes over the validity or sufficiency of such documents.

References:

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

FMLA Employee Guide

FMLA Employer Guide

FMLA Regulations

FMLA Forms

Access is the privacy concept that grants a consumer the right to view and correct errors on his or her credit report. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) gives consumers the right to access their credit reports from the three nationwide credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) once every 12 months for free. Consumers also have the right to dispute any inaccurate or incomplete information in their credit reports and request that the credit reporting agencies investigate and correct the errors. The FCRA also requires the credit reporting agencies to provide consumers with a notice of their rights and a summary of the dispute process. References:

IAPP CIPP/US Certified Information Privacy Professional Study Guide, Chapter 2: Limits on Private-sector Collection and Use of Data, Section 2.2: Consumer Privacy, p. 38-39

IAPP CIPP/US Body of Knowledge, Domain II: Limits on Private-sector Collection and Use of Data, Objective II.B: Identify the privacy requirements for consumer data, Subobjective II.B.1: Identify the consumer rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, p. 13

IAPP CIPP/US Exam Blueprint, Domain II: Limits on Private-sector Collection and Use of Data, Objective II.B: Identify the privacy requirements for consumer data, Subobjective II.B.1: Identify the consumer rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, p. 4

Federal anti-discrimination laws, such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Equal Pay Act of 1963, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, prohibit employers from discriminating against employees or applicants based on certain protected characteristics, such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, and genetic information. These laws also limit the types of information that employers can collect, use, disclose, or retain about employees or applicants,in order to prevent discrimination or invasion of privacy. For example, employers cannot ask about an applicant’s medical history, disability status, genetic information, or religious beliefs, unless they are relevant to the job or a bona fide occupational qualification. Employers also cannot use such information to make adverse employment decisions, such as hiring, firing, promotion, or compensation, unless they are justified by a legitimate business necessity or a reasonable accommodation. Employers must also safeguard the confidentiality of such information and dispose of it properly when it is no longer needed. References:

Federal Laws Prohibiting Job Discrimination Questions And Answers

Laws Enforced by EEOC

Employment and Anti-Discrimination Laws in the Workplace

Protections Against Discrimination and Other Prohibited Practices

3. Who is protected from employment discrimination?

The correct answer is C because the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) is a state privacy law that grants California residents the right to request the deletion of their personal information that a business has collected from them. The CCPA applies to any business that collects personal information from California residents, regardless of where the business is located, as long as the business meets certain thresholds of revenue, data volume, or data sharing. Therefore, the social media platform that Sarah uses is subject to the CCPA and must honor Sarah’s deletion request, unless an exception applies. The CCPA also requires businesses to provide notice and choice to consumersabout their data collection and use practices, and to respond to consumer requests within 45 days.

The other answers are incorrect because:

A is incorrect because the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a European Union privacy law that applies to the processing of personal data of individuals who are in the EU, regardless of where the data controller or processor is located. However, the GDPR does not apply to the processing of personal data of individuals who are outside the EU, unless the processing relates to the offering of goods or services to such individuals or the monitoring of their behavior within the EU. Therefore, the GDPR does not apply to Sarah’s personal data, since she is not in the EU and the social media platform is not targeting or tracking her in the EU.

B is incorrect because Section 5 of the FTC Act is a federal law that prohibits unfair or deceptive acts or practices in or affecting commerce. The FTC has used its Section 5 authority to enforce privacy and data security standards against businesses that violate their own privacy policies, misrepresent their data practices, or fail to protect consumer data from unauthorized access or disclosure. However, the FTC has not held that refusing to delete an individual’s personal information upon request constitutes an unfair practice per se, unless the refusal is inconsistent with the business’s privacy policy or representations, or causes substantial injury to consumers that is not reasonably avoidable or outweighed by countervailing benefits.

D is incorrect because the New York SHIELD Act is a state law that imposes data breach notification and data security requirements on any person or business that owns or licenses computerized data that includes the private information of a New York resident. The SHIELD Act does not grant New York residents the right to request the deletion of their personal information, nor does it apply to businesses that do not collect or hold the private information of New York residents. Therefore, the SHIELD Act does not apply to Sarah’s personal data, since she is not a New York resident and the social media platform may not have her private information as defined by the SHIELD Act. References:

U.S. Private-Sector Privacy, Third Edition by Peter P. Swire, DeBrae Kennedy-Mayo, Chapter 7, Section 7.2.1, pp. 183-186.

IAPP CIPP/US Certified Information Privacy Professional Study Guide by Mike Chapple and Joe Shelley, Chapter 7, Section 7.2, pp. 217-219.

The Dodd-Frank Act created the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) as an independent agency within the Federal Reserve System. The CFPB has the authority to regulate consumer financial products and services, such as mortgages, credit cards, student loans, and payday loans. One of the main objectives of the CFPB is to promote transparency, fairness, and consumer choice in the financial marketplace. The CFPB has issued rules and guidance to require financial institutions to provide clear and accurate information to consumers about the costs, risks, and benefits of their products and services. The CFPB also has the power to enforce consumer protection laws and prohibit unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts or practices by financial institutions123 References: 1: Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, Title X, Subtitle A, Section 1011. 2: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Wikipedia. 3: Dodd-Frank Act: What It Does, Major Components, and Criticisms, Investopedia.

The Department of Commerce (DOC) plays a role in privacy policy by promoting the development and adoption of voluntary codes of conduct, standards, and best practices for the private sector, as well as facilitating cross-border data transfers through mechanisms such as the EU-U.S. Privacy Shield and the APEC Cross-Border Privacy Rules. However, the DOC does not have regulatory authority to enforce privacy laws or impose sanctions for privacy violations. The other agencies listed have some degree of regulatory authority over privacy issues within their respective domains. For example, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) supervises national banks and federal savings associations and enforces the GLBA privacy and security rules for these institutions. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates interstate and international communications and enforces the privacy and security rules for telecommunications carriers, broadband providers, and voice over internet protocol (VoIP) services. The Department of Transportation (DOT) oversees the transportation sector and enforces the privacy and security rules for airlines, travel agents, and other covered entities under the Aviation and Transportation Security Act (ATSA). References:

IAPP CIPP/US Certified Information Privacy Professional Study Guide, Chapter 1: Introduction to the U.S. Privacy Environment, Section 1.3: Federal Agencies with a Role in Privacy, p. 18-19

IAPP CIPP/US Body of Knowledge, Domain I: Introduction to the U.S. Privacy Environment, Objective I.B: Identify the major federal agencies with a role inprivacy, Subobjective I.B.4: Identify the role of the Department of Commerce, p. 7

IAPP CIPP/US Exam Blueprint, Domain I: Introduction to the U.S. Privacy Environment, Objective I.B: Identify the major federal agencies with a role in privacy, Subobjective I.B.4: Identify the role of the Department of Commerce, p. 3

 Matt’s decision to report the marketer’s activities is based on his suspicion that the marketer violated the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), which is a federal law that regulates the online collection, use, and disclosure of personal information from children under 13 years of age1. According to COPPA, operators of websites or online services that are directed to children or knowingly collect personal information from children must:

Provide notice to parents about their information practices and obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting, using, or disclosing personal information from children12.

Give parents the choice of consenting to the operator’s collection and internal use of a child’s information, but prohibiting the operator from disclosing that information to third parties (unless disclosure is integral to the site or service, in which case, this must be made clear to parents)12.

Provide parents access to their child’s personal information to review and/or have the information deleted and give parents the opportunity to prevent further use or online collection of a child’s personal information12.

Maintain the confidentiality, security, and integrity of information they collect from children, including by taking reasonable steps to release such information only to parties capable of maintaining its confidentiality and security12.

Retain personal information collected online from a child for only as long as is necessary to fulfill the purpose for which it was collected and delete the information using reasonable measures to protect against its unauthorized access or use12.

Establish and maintain reasonable procedures to protect the confidentiality, security, and integrity of personal information collected from children12.

In Matt’s case, he did not receive any notice from the marketer about the survey or the contest, nor did he give his consent for the collection or disclosure of his son’s personal information. He also did not have any access or control over his son’s information or the ability to prevent further use or collection. Moreover, he noticed that his son’s information seemed to have been shared with other marketers, as evidenced by the commercial emails in his son’s inbox. These actions indicate that the marketer did not comply with COPPA’s requirements and may have exposed his son’s information to unauthorized or inappropriate parties. Therefore, Matt decided to report the marketer’s activities to the proper authorities, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which enforces COPPA and can impose civil penalties for violations13. References: 1: Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act | Federal Trade Commission, 1. 2: 16 CFR Part 312 – Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule, 3. 3: Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act - Wikipedia, 2.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records and gives parents or eligible students the right to access, amend, and control the disclosure of their records. FERPA applies to all educational agencies and institutions that receive funds under any program administered by the U.S. Department of Education12

FERPA requires schools to do all of the following:

Verify the identity of students who make requests for access to their records. Schools must use reasonable methods to identify and authenticate the identity of parents, students, school officials, and any other parties to whom they disclose education records12

Provide students with access to their records within a specified amount of time. Schools must provide parents or eligible students with an opportunity to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of receiving a request. Schoolsare not required to provide copies of records unless it is impossible for parents or eligible students to review the records at the school12

Respond to all reasonable student requests regarding explanation of their records. Schools must provide parents or eligible students with an opportunity to request the amendment of the student’s education records that they believe are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights. Schools must consider the request and decide whether to amend the records within a reasonable time. If the school decides not to amend the records, it must inform the parent or eligible student of their right to a hearing on the matter12

FERPA does not require schools to do the following:

Obtain student authorization before releasing directory information in their records. Directory information is information contained in a student’s education record that would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. Examples of directory information include the student’s name, address, phone number, e-mail address, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in sports and activities, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, and most recent school attended. Schools may disclose directory information without consent unless the parent or eligible student has opted out of such disclosure. Schools must notify parents and eligible students of the types of information they designate as directory information and of their right to opt out of directory information disclosure12

Therefore, the correct answer is D. Obtain student authorization before releasing directory information in their records.

References:

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

IAPP CIPP/US Certified Information Privacy Professional Study Guide, Chapter 4: Federal Privacy Laws, Section 4.3: The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

The HIPAA Privacy Rule requires covered entities to obtain an individual’s written authorization for any use or disclosure of protected health information (PHI) that is not for treatment, payment, or health care operations or otherwise permitted or required by the Privacy Rule. However, there are some exceptions to the authorization requirement for certain public interest-related activities, such as disclosing health information for public health activities, reporting child abuse, or treating a medical emergency. These exceptions are intended to balance the privacy interests of individuals with the public interest in protecting health and safety, promoting quality health care, and ensuring compliance with the law. Disclosing health information needed to pay a third party billing administrator is not one of the exceptions to the authorization requirement, as it is considered a payment activity that falls under the general rule of requiring authorization. Therefore, it is the correct answer to the question. References: Summary of the HIPAA Privacy Rule, HIPAA Exceptions, Exceptions to HIPAA Privacy Rule, Waiver of Authorization, IAPP CIPP/US Study Guide, Chapter 5.

The Wireless Domain Registry is a list of domain names that are used to transmit electronic messages to wireless devices, such as cell phones and pagers. The purpose of the registry is to protect wireless consumers from unwanted commercial electronic mail messages, by identifying the domain names for those who send such messages. Marketers are required to use the registry to avoid sending unsolicited emails to wireless devices, which may incur costs or inconvenience for the recipients. Sending such emails without the express prior authorization of the recipient is a violation of the CAN-SPAM Act of 2003. References: 

https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/the-wireless-registry-launches-worlds-first-global-registry-for-wireless-names-240222521.html

Most state laws require that a person or business that conducts business in the state and owns or licenses personal information of residents of that state must notify those residents of any breach of the security of the system involving their personal information. This means that the entity does not have to be physically located in the state, have employees in the state, or be registered inthe state to be subject to the breach notification requirements, as long as it conducts business in the state and holds personal information of state residents. Conducting business in the state can be interpreted broadly to include any transaction or activity that involves the state or its residents, such as selling goods or services, collecting payments, or maintaining a website accessible by state residents. The other options (B, C, and D) are not commonly required by most state laws, although some states may have additional or specific requirements for certain types of entities, such as information brokers, health care providers, or financial institutions. References:

Security Breach Notification Chart | Perkins Coie

Security Breach Notification Laws - National Conference of State Legislatures

IAPP CIPP/US Certified Information Privacy Professional Study Guide, Chapter 4: State Privacy Laws and Regulations, Section 4.2: State Security Breach Notification Laws.

The annual privacy notice requirement under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) applies to financial institutions that collect nonpublic personal information from customers and disclose it to nonaffiliated third parties, unless they qualify for an exception. A financial institution is any entity that engages in activities that are financial in nature or incidental to such activities, as defined by section 4(k) of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956. The King County Savings and Loan is a financial institution under this definition, as it engages in lending money and accepting deposits. Therefore, it is required to provide its customers with an annual privacy notice, unless it meets the conditions for an exception. The Four Winds Tribal College, the Golden Gavel Auction House, and the Breezy City Housing Commission are not financial institutions under the GLBA, as they do not engage in activities that are financial in nature or incidental to such activities. Therefore, they are not required to provide their customers with an annual privacy notice under the GLBA. References:

Amendment to the Annual Privacy Notice Requirement Under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, section I. Background, paragraph 2.

17 CFR § 248.5 - Annual privacy notice to customers required., paragraph (a) (1).

IAPP CIPP/US Study Guide, page 65.

The Privacy Act of 1974 is a federal law that regulates the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information by federal agencies.

The Privacy Act of 1974 applies to records that are maintained in a system of records, which is defined as a group of records under the control of an agency from which information is retrieved by the name of the individual or by some identifying number, symbol, or other identifier assigned to the individual.

The Privacy Act of 1974 grants individuals the right to access and amend their records, and requires agencies to provide notice of their systems of records, establish safeguards for the protection of the records, and limit the disclosure of the records to certain authorized purposes.

The Privacy Act of 1974 also establishes civil and criminal penalties for violations of the law, such as unauthorized disclosure, failure to publish a notice, or refusal to grant access or amendment.

The Privacy Act of 1974 does NOT require agencies to obtain the consent of the individual before collecting their personal information. However, the Privacy Act of 1974 does require agencies to inform the individual of the authority for the collection, the purpose and use of the collection, and the effects of not providing the information.

References: : [Overview of the Privacy Act of 1974]

 The Privacy Act allows agencies to exempt certain records from some of its provisions, including the right to disclosure, if the records fall within one of the categories specified in subsections (j) or (k) of the Act. One of these categories is records maintained by an agency or component thereof which performs as its principal function any activity pertaining to the enforcement of criminal laws, including police efforts to prevent, control, or reduce crime or to apprehend criminals, and the activities of prosecutors, courts, correctional, probation, pardon, or parole authorities, and which consists of (A) informationcompiled for the purpose of identifying individual criminal offenders and alleged offenders and consisting only of identifying data and notations of arrests, the nature and disposition of criminal charges, sentencing, confinement, release, and parole and probation status; (B) information compiled for the purpose of a criminal investigation, including reports of informants and investigators, and associated with an identifiable individual; or © reports identifiable to an individual compiled at any stage of the process of enforcement of the criminal laws from arrest or indictment through release from supervision. 5 U.S.C. § 552a (j) (2). Therefore, material reporting investigative efforts pertaining to the enforcement of criminal law falls within this category and can be exempted from the right to disclosure under the Privacy Act. References:

Overview of the Privacy Act: 2020 Edition, Ten Exemptions, subsection (j) (2).

Privacy Act Exemptions, subsection (j) (2).

IAPP CIPP/US Study Guide, page 66.

The best way for Otto to minimize the privacy risks involved in using a cloud provider for the HR data is to ensure that the cloud provider abides by the contractual requirements by conducting an on-site audit. This would allow Otto to verify that the cloud provider has implemented adequate security measures, such as encryption, access controls, and backup systems, to protect the HR data from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. It would also allow Otto to check that the cloud provider is complying with the applicable privacy laws and regulations, such as the CCPA, the APEC Privacy Framework, and the breach notification requirements. By conducting an on-site audit, Otto can identify any gaps or weaknesses in the cloud provider’s privacy practices and address them promptly. This would also demonstrate due diligence and accountability on the part of Filtration Station, which could mitigate the legal and reputational consequences of a data breach. References:

[IAPP CIPP/US Study Guide], Chapter 3: Data Assessments, pp. 77-78.

IAPP CIPP/US Body of Knowledge, Section III: Government and Court Access to Private-sector Information, Subsection B: Cross-Border Data Transfer, Topic 2: APEC Privacy Framework.

IAPP CIPP/US Practice Questions, Question 125.

The Consumer Privacy Bill of Rights is a set of principles proposed by the Obama administration in 2012 to protect the privacy of consumers online and offline. The principles are based on the Fair Information Practice Principles, which are widely accepted as the foundation of privacy protection. One of the principles is the right to reasonable limits on the personal data that a company retains, which means that companies should collect and keep only the personal data they need for legitimate purposes, and dispose of it securely when it is no longer needed. This principle would best reform the company’s privacy program in the scenario, as it would address the major concerns that Roberta identified in her report, such as the lack of rules and procedures for purging and destroying outdated data, and the excessive access to customer information by low-level employees. By implementing reasonable limits on the personal data that the company retains, the company would reduce the risk of data breaches, enhance customer trust, and comply with state breach notification laws. References:

Fact Sheet: Plan to Protect Privacy in the Internet Age by Adopting a Consumer Privacy Bill of Rights

IAPP CIPP/US Certified Information Privacy Professional Study Guide, Chapter 1: Introduction to U.S. Privacy Law, Section 1.2: The Consumer Privacy Bill of Rights

The CAN-SPAM Act is a federal law that sets the rules for commercial email, establishes requirements for commercial messages, gives recipients the right to have you stop emailing them, and spells out tough penalties for violations1. The main purpose of the act is to protect consumers from unwanted and deceptive email messages and to give them more control over their online privacy2. The act applies to all commercial messages, which are defined as "any electronic mail message the primary purpose of which is the commercial advertisement or promotion of a commercial product or service"1. The act does not apply to transactional or relationship messages, which are messages that facilitate an agreed-upon transaction or update a customer about an existing business relationship1. The act also does not apply to non-commercial messages, such as political or charitable solicitations3. References: 1: CAN-SPAM Act: A Compliance Guide for Business2: What is the CAN-SPAM Act? | Proton3: What is the CAN-SPAM Act? | Cloudflare

According to the HIPAA Security Rule, covered entities are responsible for ensuring that their business associates comply with the security standards and safeguards required by the rule. This includes conducting due diligence to assess the business associate’s security capabilities and practices, and monitoring their performance and compliance. Failure to do so may result in a violation of the rule and a penalty by the HHS. In this scenario, HealthCo did not perform due diligence on CloudHealth before entering the contract, and did not conduct audits of CloudHealth’s security measures. This is the most significant reason why HHS might impose a penalty on HealthCo, as it indicates a lack of oversight and accountability for the protection of ePHI. References:

HIPAA Security Rule

HIPAA Business Associate Contracts

HIPAA Enforcement and Penalties

When selecting a vendor to manage personal information, the company should consider various criteria, such as the vendor’s reputation, financial health, employee training program, privacy policies, security practices, compliance record, contractual terms, and service quality. However, the vendor’s employee retention rates may not be as important as the other factors, as they do not directly affect the vendor’s ability to protect and process the personal information entrusted to them. While high employee turnover may indicate some issues with the vendor’s management or culture, it may not necessarily impact the vendor’s performance or reliability, as long as the vendor has adequate measures to ensure continuity, accountability, and confidentiality of the personal information they handle. References:

Vendor Selection Process: a Step-by-Step Guide, section “Step 2: Define the vendor selection criteria”

[IAPP CIPP/US Study Guide], p. 81-82, section 3.4.1

[IAPP CIPP/US Body of Knowledge], p. 18-19, section C.2.a

The Consumer Privacy Bill of Rights is a set of principles that the Obama administration proposed in 2012 to guide the development of privacy legislation and policies in the United States. The report that introduced the bill of rights stated that it was "generally based on the widely accepted Fair Information Practice Principles (FIPPs)"1, which are a set of standards that originated in the 1970s and have influenced many privacy laws and frameworks around the world. The FIPPs include concepts such as individual control, transparency, security, accountability, and data minimization2. The Consumer Privacy Bill of Rights adapted and expanded these principles to address the challenges and opportunities of the digital economy1. References: 1: Consumer Data Privacy in a Networked World: A Framework for Protecting Privacy and Promoting Innovation in the Global Digital Economy2, page 92: IAPP CIPP/US Certified Information Privacy Professional Study Guide3, page 17.

 The most likely reason that states have adopted their own data breach notification laws is that many types of organizations are not currently subject to federal laws regarding breaches. As explained in the Data Breach Response: A Guide for Business from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), certain federal laws govern obligations to report data breaches in particular industries, such as health care, financial services, or telecommunications. However, these laws do not cover all types of businesses or all types of personal information that may be compromised in a data breach. Therefore, states have enacted their own data breach notification laws to fill the gaps and protect the privacy andsecurity of their residents. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, as of January 2022, all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands have enacted legislation requiring notification of security breaches involving personal information. These state laws vary in terms of the definitions of personal information, the triggers for notification, the methods and timing of notification, the exemptions and exceptions, and the penalties and enforcement mechanisms.

References: 1: Data Breach Response: A Guide for Business, Section 2 2: 2022 Security Breach Legislation

 According to the Privacy Shield Framework, an organization that transfers personal data to a third party acting as an agent must ensure that the agent does all of the following1:

Uses the transferred data only for limited and specified purposes;

Provides the same level of privacy protection as is required by the Privacy Shield Principles;

Takes reasonable and appropriate steps to ensure that the agent effectively processes the personal information transferred in a manner consistent with the organization’s obligations under the Principles;

Requires the agent to notify the organization if it makes a determination that it can no longer meet its obligation to provide the same level of protection as is required by the Principles;

Upon notice, takes reasonable and appropriate steps to stop and remediate unauthorized processing; and

Provides a summary or a representative copy of the relevant privacy provisions of its contract with that agent to the Department of Commerce upon request.

Therefore, the only option that is not required by the Privacy Shield Framework is D. Enters a contract with the organization that states the third party will process data according to the consent agreement. While the organization must obtain the individual’s consent for certain types of data transfers, such as those involving sensitive data or onward transfers to controllers, the organization does not have to include the consent agreement in the contract with the agent. The contract must, however, ensure that the agent will process the data in accordance with the individual’s choices and expectations, as well as the Privacy Shield Principles2.

References: 1: Privacy Shield Framework3, Section 3 (b); 2: Privacy Shield Framework3, Section 2 (b) and ©; 3: Privacy Shield Framework.

 According to the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) and its implementing Regulation P, a financial institution may share consumer information with non-affiliated third parties for marketing purposes only after disclosing its information-sharing practices to customers and after giving them an opportunity to opt out of such sharing. The GLBA defines a customer as a consumer who has a continuing relationship with a financial institution that provides one or more financial products or services to be used primarily for personal, family, or household purposes. A consumer is an individual who obtains or has obtained a financial product or service from a financial institution that is to be used primarily for personal, family, or household purposes, or that individual’s legal representative. A non-affiliated third party is any person except a financial institution’s affiliate or a person employed jointly by a financial institution and a company that is not the financial institution’s affiliate. An affiliate is any company that controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with another company.

The GLBA requires that a financial institution provide a privacy notice to customers: (i) at the time of establishing the customer relationship; (ii) annually during the continuation of the customer relationship; and (iii) before disclosing any nonpublic personal information (NPI) about the customer to any non-affiliated third party, unless an exception applies. The privacy notice must describe the categories of NPI that the financial institution collects and discloses; the categories of affiliates and non-affiliated third parties to whom the financial institution discloses NPI; the categories of NPI disclosed to service providers and joint marketers; the policies and practices with respect to protecting the confidentiality and security of NPI; and the disclosures of NPI to which the customer has a right to opt out. The financial institution must also provide a reasonable means for the customer to opt out of the disclosure of NPI to non-affiliated third parties, such as a check-off box, a reply form, or a toll-free telephone number. The opt-out notice must be clear and conspicuous, and must state that the customer can opt out at any time. The opt-out notice must also explain how the customer can opt out, and the effect of opting out. The financial institution must honor the customer’s opt-out direction as soon as reasonably practicable after receiving it, and must not disclose any NPI to which the opt-out applies, unless an exception applies.

The GLBA provides several exceptions to the opt-out requirement, such as when the disclosure of NPI is necessary to effect, administer, or enforce a transaction requested or authorized by the customer; when the disclosure of NPI is required or permitted by law; when the disclosure of NPI is to a consumer reporting agency in accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act; or when the disclosure of NPI is to a person that performs marketing services on behalf of the financial institution or on behalf of the financial institution and another financial institution under a joint marketing agreement. A joint marketing agreement is a formal written contract between a financial institution and any other person under which the parties agree to offer, endorse, or sponsor a financial product or service. The joint marketing agreement must prohibit the other person from using or disclosing the NPI for any purpose other than offering, endorsing, or sponsoring the financial product or service covered by the agreement.

The GLBA also requires that a financial institution provide a privacy notice to consumers who are not customers before disclosing any NPI about the consumer to any non-affiliated third party, unless an exception applies. The financial institution does not need to provide an opt-out notice to consumers who are not customers, unless it has a customer relationship with them. However, if the financial institution establishes a customer relationship with a consumer who was previously not a customer, it must provide a privacy notice and an opt-out notice to the customer as described above.

References:

Guide to the Gramm–Leach–Bliley Act

GLBA or FCRA? Data Sharing Between Affiliates and Non-Affiliates

Existing Privacy Laws Already Regulate Information Sharing

Why Do Banks Share Your Financial Information and Are They Allowed To?

[IAPP CIPP/US Certified Information Privacy Professional Study Guide], Chapter 5, pages 161-165.

The scenario describes how the company had no adequate rules about access to customer information and how low-level employees had access to all of the company’s customer data, including financial records. This indicates that the company did not implement proper access controls to limit who can access, use, or disclose customer information based on their roles and responsibilities. Access controls are one of the key elements of information security and privacy, as they help prevent unauthorized or inappropriate access to sensitive data. Without access controls, the company’s customer information was vulnerable to mishandling by employees or outsiders who could exploit the weaksecurity measures. Therefore, the most likely cause of the breach was mishandling of information caused by lack of access controls. References:

IAPP CIPP/US Certified Information Privacy Professional Study Guide, Chapter 4: Information Management from a U.S. Perspective, Section 4.2: Information Security, p. 113-114

IAPP CIPP/US Body of Knowledge, Domain I: Introduction to the U.S. Privacy Environment, Objective I.C: Describe the role of information security in privacy, Subobjective I.C.1: Identify the key elements of information security, p. 8

The CCPA grants California residents the right to request that a business delete, disclose, or stop selling their personal information, but it does not grant them the right to request that a business correct their personal information. However, the CPRA, which will amend and expand the CCPA in 2023, will grant California residents the right to request that a business correct inaccurate personal information. References: CCPA, CPRA, IAPP CIPP/US Study Guide (p. 62)

 Discrimination is the unfair or prejudicial treatment of people based on certain characteristics, such as race, gender, age, religion, or political affiliation. Discrimination can occur in various contexts, such as employment, education, housing, or public accommodations. Discrimination can violate federal, state, or local laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of protected categories. In the scenario, Evan is susceptible to a lawsuit based on discrimination because he uses social media to favor employees who share his political views and deny promotions to those who do not. This could constitute political discrimination, which is prohibited by some state and local laws, such as the District of Columbia Human Rights Act and the New York City Human Rights Law. Additionally, Evan’s use of social media could reveal other protected characteristics of his employees, such as their race, gender, age, religion, or sexual orientation, and expose him to claims of discrimination based on those grounds as well. For example, if Evan posts derogatory comments about a certain race or religion, and then denies a promotion to an employee of that race or religion, that employee could sue Evan for discrimination under federal laws, such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or the Civil Rights Act of 1991. References:

Political Discrimination in the Workplace | Nolo

Social Media and Employment Law Summary of Key Cases and Legal Issues

IAPP CIPP/US Certified Information Privacy Professional Study Guide, Chapter 4: State Privacy Laws and Regulations, Section 4.1: State Anti-Discrimination Laws.

The Stored Communications Act (SCA) is a federal law that regulates the privacy of electronic communications that are stored by third-party service providers, such as email providers, cloud storage providers, or social media platforms. The SCA prohibits unauthorized access to or disclosure of such communications, unless authorized by law or by the consent of the user or the service provider . The SCA also provides exceptions for certain types of access or disclosure, such as those made for law enforcement purposes, for the protection of the service provider’s rights or property, or for the consent of the subscriber or customer .

One of the exceptions to the SCA is where the service provider gives consent to the access or disclosure of the stored communications. This means that if a third-party service provider agrees to cooperate with an investigation or a request for information, the access or disclosure is lawful under the SCA. Consent can be express or implied, depending on the circumstances and the terms of service of the provider. For example, if a service provider has a policy that allows it to disclose user information to third parties for legitimate purposes, the provider has impliedly consented to the access or disclosure of the stored communications. However, if a service provider has a policy that prohibits such disclosure, the provider has not consented to the access or disclosure of the stored communications.

In the scenario, Evan’s undercover investigation may have been authorized by the SCA if he obtained the consent of the third-party service provider that stored the electronic communications of the employee who was suspected of misconduct. For instance, if the employee used a company email account or a cloud storage service that had a policy that allowed the service provider to disclose user information to the employer or to law enforcement, Evan may have been able to access or disclose the stored communications with the consent of the service provider. However, if the employee used a personal email account or a cloud storage service that had a policy that protected user privacy and prohibited such disclosure, Evan may have violated the SCA by accessing or disclosing the stored communications without the consent of the service provider.

References: : [Stored Communications Act], 18 U.S.C. §§ 2701-2712 : [IAPP CIPP/US Study Guide], Chapter 8, Section 8.2.2. : [The Stored Communications Act: An Old Statute for Modern Problems], pp. 10-11.

 The U.S. Supreme Court has recognized an individual’s right to privacy over personal issues, such as contraception, by acknowledging a “penumbra” of unenumerated constitutional rights as well as more general protections of due process of law. This means that the right to privacy is not explicitly stated in the Constitution, but it is implied from other rights that are explicitly stated, such as the First Amendment rights of speech and assembly, the Third Amendment right to be free from quartering of soldiers, the Fourth Amendment right to be secure from unreasonable searches and seizures, the Fifth Amendment right to be free from self-incrimination, and the Ninth Amendment right to retain other rights not enumerated in the Constitution. These rights create a “zone of privacy” that protects individuals from undue government interference in their personal affairs. The Supreme Court first articulated this concept of privacy in Griswold v. Connecticut (1965), where it struck down a state law that prohibited the use of contraceptives by married couples. The Court also relied on the due process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, which prohibits states from depriving any person of life, liberty, or property without due process of law. The Court interpreted this clause to include a substantive component that protects certain fundamental rights from state regulation, unless there is a compelling state interest and the regulation is narrowly tailored to achieve that interest. The Court has applied this due process analysis to other privacy issues, such as abortion, marriage, and sexual orientation. References:

Privacy | Wex | US Law | LII / Legal Information Institute

Privacy isn’t in the Constitution – but it’s everywhere in constitutional law

Privacy Rights and Personal Autonomy Legally Protected by the … - Justia

Right to privacy | Wex | US Law | LII / Legal Information Institute

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

 The U.S. Constitution plays a limited role in the area of workplace privacy, because it mainly applies to the actions of the government, not private employers. The Fourth Amendment protects the right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures1. The Supreme Court has interpreted this right to include a reasonable expectation of privacy in certain situations, such as in one’s home, car, or personal belongings2. However, this right does not extend to private-sector employees, who are not protected by the Constitution from the actions of their employers, unless the employer is acting as an agent of the government3. Private-sector employees may have some privacy rights under state laws, common law, or contractual agreements, but these vary depending on the jurisdiction and the circumstances4.

Public-sector employees, on the other hand, are protected by the Constitution from unreasonable searches and seizures by their employers, who are considered part of the government. Public-sector employees have a reasonable expectation of privacy in their workplace, unless there is a legitimate work-related reason for the search or seizure, such as to ensure safety, security, or efficiency. Public-sector employers must also comply with the due process and equal protection clauses of the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments, which prohibit the government from depriving any person of life, liberty, or property without due process of law, or from denying any person the equal protection of the laws. These clauses protect public-sector employees from arbitrary or discriminatory actions by their employers that affect their employment status or benefits.

Therefore, the U.S. Constitution plays a significant role in the area of workplace privacy for federal and state governments, but not for private-sector employment, because it only regulates the actions of the government, not private actors. References:

1: Cornell Law School, Fourth Amendment,

2: FindLaw, What Is a Reasonable Expectation of Privacy?,

3: FindLaw, Workplace Privacy,

4: Nolo, Privacy Rights of Employees,

: OPM, Employee Relations,

: Cornell Law School, Fifth Amendment,

: FindLaw, Public Employees and the Constitution,

An injunction is a court order that requires a party to stop or refrain from doing something. In a case of civil litigation, a defendant who is being sued for distributing an employee’s private information might face an injunction that prohibits them from further disclosing or using the employee’s private information. An injunction is a form of equitable relief that aims to prevent or remedy harm that cannot be adequately compensated by monetary damages. Probation, criminal fines, and jail sentences are forms of criminal sanctions that are not applicable in civil litigation, unless the defendant is also charged with a criminal offense related to the distribution of the employee’s private information. References: Standing issues in U.S. privacy class actions, US Private-Sector Privacy (CIPP/US Exam Prep), IAPP CIPP/US

According to the Wiley study guide, one of the steps in developing a privacy policy is to conduct a privacy assessment, which involves identifying the organization’s information goals and needs, as well as the legal and regulatory requirements that apply to its data collection and use practices3. By spending more time understanding the company’s information goals, Janice would have been able to tailor the privacy policy to fit the company’s business model and customer expectations, while still complying with the relevant privacy laws and standards. This would have also helped Janice to address Cheryl’s concerns about the impact of the policy on the company’s operations and customer relationships, and to propose solutions that balance privacy protection and service delivery.

References:

1:

2:

3:

4:

5:

Patrick should first ensure that inspecting GPS geolocation data from Jane’s corporate mobile phone is permitted under Jane’s employment contract or the company’s employee privacy policy. This is because Jane has a reasonable expectation of privacy in her location information, even if she uses a corporate-owned device for business purposes. The Fourth Amendment protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures by the government, and the Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA) prohibits unauthorized interception or access to electronic communications by private parties. Therefore, Patrick cannot inspect Jane’s GPS data without a valid legal basis, such as consent, contract, or court order. Obtaining prior consent from Jane pursuant to the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (A) is not relevant, as this law regulates unsolicited calls and text messages, not location tracking. Revising emerging workplace privacy best practices with a reputable advocacy organization (B) is not sufficient, as Patrick still needs to comply with the existing legal obligations and contractual terms. Obtaining a subpoena from law enforcement, or a court order, directing Jones Labs to collect the GPS geolocation data © is not necessary, as Patrick is not acting on behalf of the government or in response to a legal request. However, if Patrick does obtain such a legal order, he should also comply with it and notify Jane of the disclosure, unless prohibited by law. References:

IAPP CIPP/US Study Guide, Chapter 4, Section 4.1.2, p. 115-116

IAPP CIPP/US Study Guide, Chapter 4, Section 4.2.1, p. 118-119

IAPP CIPP/US Study Guide, Chapter 4, Section 4.2.2, p. 120-121

IAPP CIPP/US Study Guide, Chapter 4, Section 4.2.3, p. 122-123

IAPP CIPP/US Study Guide, Chapter 4, Section 4.3.1, p. 124-125

IAPP CIPP/US Study Guide, Chapter 4, Section 4.3.2, p. 126-127

IAPP CIPP/US Study Guide, Chapter 4, Section 4.3.3, p. 128-129

IAPP CIPP/US Study Guide, Chapter 4, Section 4.3.4, p. 130-131

IAPP CIPP/US Study Guide, Chapter 4, Section 4.3.5, p. 132-133

IAPP CIPP/US Study Guide, Chapter 4, Section 4.3.6, p. 134-135

IAPP CIPP/US Study Guide, Chapter 4, Section 4.3.7, p. 136-137

IAPP CIPP/US Study Guide, Chapter 4, Section 4.3.8, p. 138-139

IAPP CIPP/US Study Guide, Chapter 4, Section 4.3.9, p. 140-141

IAPP CIPP/US Study Guide, Chapter 4, Section 4.3.10, p. 142-143

IAPP CIPP/US Study Guide, Chapter 4, Section 4.3.11, p. 144-145

IAPP CIPP/US Study Guide, Chapter 4, Section 4.3.12, p. 146-147

IAPP CIPP/US Study Guide, Chapter 4, Section 4.3.13, p. 148-149

IAPP CIPP/US Study Guide, Chapter 4, Section 4.3.14, p. 150-151

IAPP CIPP/US Study Guide, Chapter 4, Section 4.3.15, p. 152-153

IAPP CIPP/US Study Guide, Chapter 4, Section 4.3.16, p. 154-155

IAPP CIPP/US Study Guide, Chapter 4, Section 4.3.17, p. 156-157

California’s SB 1386, also known as the California Security Breach Information Act, was enacted in 2002 and became effective in 2003. It was the first law of its kind in the United States to require commercial entities that own or license personal information of California residents to notify them in the event of a security breach that compromises their unencrypted data. The law aims to protect the privacy and security of personal information and to enable individuals to take preventive measures against identity theft and fraud. The law applies to any business or person that conducts business in California and that owns or licenses computerized data that includes personal information, as defined by the law. Personal information includes an individual’s first name or first initial and last name in combination with any one or more of the following data elements: Social Security number, driver’s license number or California identification card number, account number, credit or debit card number, in combination with any required security code, access code, or password that would permit access to an individual’s financial account, or medical information or health insurance information. The law does not apply to encrypted information, publicly available information, or information that is lawfully obtained from federal, state, or local government records. The law requires the disclosure of a breach of the security of the system to any resident of California whose unencrypted personal information was, or is reasonably believed to have been, acquired by an unauthorized person. The disclosure must be made in the most expedient time possible and without unreasonable delay, consistent with the legitimate needs of law enforcement or any measures necessary to determine the scope of the breach and restore the reasonable integrity of the data system. The disclosure may be made by written notice, electronic notice, or substitute notice, as specified by the law. The law also requires any person or business that maintains computerized data that includes personal information that the person or business does not own to notify the owner or licensee of the information of any breach of the security of the data immediately following discovery, if the personal information was, or is reasonably believed to have been, acquired by an unauthorized person. The law also authorizes a civil action for damages by a customer injured by a violation of the law and provides that the rights and remedies available under the law are cumulative to each other and to any other rights and remedies available under law. References:

California Senate Bill 1386 (2002)

California SB 1386: For the Love of Privacy

What Is the California Security Breach Information Act?

California Raises the Bar on Data Security and Privacy

Janice’s first draft of the privacy policy may be too restrictive and impractical for Fitness Coach, Inc. to follow, given the nature of its business and the expectations of its customers. By limiting the retention of personal information to one year and requiring written consent for any third-party sharing, the policy may create operational challenges and customer dissatisfaction. For example, customers may want to resume their fitness programs after a long hiatus and expect the company to have their previous records and preferences. Similarly, third-party contractors may need access to customer information to provide better services and tailor their classes. If the company fails to adhere to its own privacy policy, it may face legal consequences, reputational damage, and loss of trust from its customers. Therefore, the company should adopt a more realistic and flexible privacy policy that balances its business needs and its customers’ privacy rights. References:

Privacy Policy for Health Coaches

Privacy Policies for Online Coaches

Privacy Policy - Coaching.com

The CCPA provides consumers with a private right of action to pursue statutory damages following data security breaches that impact certain sensitive categories of personal information and are caused by a business’s failure to institute reasonable and appropriate security. The CCPA defines personal information for this purpose as an individual’s name in combination with any of the following: social security number, driver’s license number, account number, credit or debit card number, medical information, or health insurance information. The CCPA allows consumers to seek damages between $100 and $750 per consumer per incident, or actual damages, whichever is greater. The CCPA also requires consumers to provide the business with 30 days’ written notice and an opportunity to cure the violation before initiating an action. Additionally, the CCPA requires consumers to notify the Attorney General within 30 days of filing the action and obtain the Attorney General’s approval or nonobjection before proceeding with the action. Therefore, John can sue the corporation for the data breach to recover monetary damages suffered as a result of the data breach, and in some circumstances seek statutory damages irrespective of whether he suffered any financial harm, as long as he meets the requirements of the CCPA. References:

CCPA Provides Private Right of Action for Data Security Breaches

CCPA Private Right of Action – Data Breach Security Requirement

CCPA Fines & Penalties for Data Protection Violations | MatrixPoint

The lawsuit, filed in 2014, claimed that Google violated the federal and state wiretap and privacy laws by scanning and indexing the emails of millions of students who used its Apps for Education suite, which included Gmail as a key feature12. The plaintiffs alleged that Google used the information from the scans to build profiles of students that could be used for targeted advertising or other commercial purposes, without their consent or knowledge12. The lawsuit also challenged Google’s argument that the students consented to the scans when they first logged in to their accounts, saying that such consent was not valid under FERPA, which requires written consent for any disclosure of education records12. Google denied the allegations and argued that the scans were necessary for providing security, spam protection, and other functionality to the users12. The case was settled in 2016, with Google agreeing to change some of its practices and policies regarding the scanning of student emails3. References: 1: Lawsuit Alleges That Google Has Crossed A ‘Creepy Line’ With Student Data, Huffington Post, 1. 2: Google faces lawsuit over email scanning and student data, The Guardian, 2. 3: Google data case to be heard in Supreme Court, BBC, 3.

The Department of Commerce (DOC) plays a role in privacy policy by promoting the development and adoption of voluntary codes of conduct, standards, and best practices for the private sector, as well as facilitating cross-border data transfers through mechanisms such as the EU-U.S. Privacy Shield and the APEC Cross-Border Privacy Rules. However, the DOC does not have regulatory authority to enforce privacy laws or impose sanctions for privacy violations. The other agencies listed have some degree of regulatory authority over privacy issues within their respective domains. For example, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) supervises national banks and federal savings associations and enforces the GLBA privacy and security rules for these institutions. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates interstate and international communications and enforces the privacy and security rules for telecommunications carriers, broadband providers, and voice over internet protocol (VoIP) services. The Department of Transportation (DOT) oversees the transportation sector and enforces the privacy and security rules for airlines, travel agents, and other covered entities under the Aviation and Transportation Security Act (ATSA). References:

IAPP CIPP/US Certified Information Privacy Professional Study Guide, Chapter 1: Introduction to the U.S. Privacy Environment, Section 1.3: Federal Agencies with a Role in Privacy, p. 18-19

IAPP CIPP/US Body of Knowledge, Domain I: Introduction to the U.S. Privacy Environment, Objective I.B: Identify the major federal agencies with a role in privacy, Subobjective I.B.4: Identify the role of the Department of Commerce, p. 7

IAPP CIPP/US Exam Blueprint, Domain I: Introduction to the U.S. Privacy Environment, Objective I.B: Identify the major federal agencies with a role in privacy, Subobjective I.B.4: Identify the role of the Department of Commerce, p. 3

Data classification is the process of categorizing data based on its sensitivity and importance to determine its level of confidentiality and protection. Data classification helps organizations apply appropriate security and compliance measures to ensure each category receives proper protection1. Data classification also helps organizations identify which data is subject to specific privacylaws and regulations, such as the GDPR, HIPAA, or CCPA, and how to handle data subject requests, data breaches, or legal discovery2. If an organization maintains data classified as high sensitivity, such as personal information, financial information, or health information, in the same system as data classified as low sensitivity, such as public information or internal information, it increases the risk of exposing the high sensitivity data in the event of a data breach. A data breach can result in legal consequences, reputational damage, and loss of trust from customers and stakeholders. Therefore, it is advisable to segregate data based on its classification and apply different levels of encryption, access control, and monitoring to each category3. This way, the organization can minimize the impact of a data breach and protect the privacy and security of its data assets. References:

Why Is Data Classification Important?

Data Classification for GDPR Explained

Data classification and privacy considerations

 The design technique that would most effectively inform users of their data privacy rights and privileges when using the app is to offer information about data collection and uses at key data entry points. This technique is also known as “just-in-time” or “layered” notice, and it is recommended by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) as a best practice for mobile app developers12

The idea behind this technique is to provide users with relevant and timely information about how their data is collected and used by the app, and what choices they have to control their data, at the moment when they are asked to provide or access their data. For example, if the app collects location data from the user’s device, it should display a pop-up notice explaining why it needs the location data, how it will use it, and how the user can opt-out or change the settings. This way, the user can make an informed decision about whether to allow or deny the app’s access to their data, and understand the consequences of their choice12

The advantage of this technique is that it avoids overwhelming the user with too much information at once, and instead provides concise and contextual information that is easy to understand and act upon. It also increases the user’s trust and confidence in the app, as they feel more in control of their data and privacy12

The other design techniques are less effective because they do not provide the user with sufficient or timely information about their data privacy rights and privileges when using the app. Publishing a privacy policy written in clear, concise, and understandable language is a good practice, but it is not enough to inform the user of their data privacy rights and privileges, as many users may not read or understand the policy, or may not be aware of where to find it. Presenting a privacy policy to users during the wellness program registration process is also a good practice, but it may not capture all the data collection and uses that the app may perform, and it may not give the user enough opportunity to review and consent to the policy. Providing a link to the wellness program privacy policy at the bottom of each screen is also a good practice, but it may not be noticeable or accessible to the user, and it may not provide the user with the specific information they need at the point of data entry or access12

References:

Mobile Privacy Disclosures: Building Trust Through Transparency: A Federal Trade Commission Staff Report (February 2013)

IAPP CIPP/US Certified Information Privacy Professional Study Guide, Chapter 6: Privacy Program Management, Section 6.4: Privacy by Design

The Global Privacy Enforcement Network (GPEN) is a network for privacy enforcement authorities (PEAs) to share knowledge, experience and best practices on the practical aspects of privacy enforcement and cooperation. GPEN was created in response to the OECD Recommendation on Cross-border Cooperation in the Enforcement of Laws Protecting Privacy, which called for member countries to foster the establishment of an informal network of PEAs. GPEN’s main purpose is to facilitate cross-border cooperation and coordination among PEAs, especially in cases involving multiple jurisdictions or regions. GPEN also aims to enhance information sharing, promote awareness and education, and support capacity building among PEAs. References:

Home (public) | Global Privacy Enforcement Network

Global Privacy Enforcement Network - International Association of Privacy Professionals

International Partnerships - Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada

Specialised networks – Global Privacy Assembly

Action Plan for the Global Privacy Enforcement Network (GPEN)

[IAPP CIPP/US Certified Information Privacy Professional Study Guide], Chapter 6, page 213.

The Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984 (CCPA) is a federal law that regulates the cable television industry and protects the privacy of cable subscribers. One of the provisions of the CCPA is that cable operators must providetheir subscribers with an annual notice that clearly and conspicuously informs them of the following information12:

The nature of personally identifiable information collected or to be collected with respect to the subscriber and the nature of the use of such information

The nature, frequency, and purpose of any disclosure of such information, including an identification of the types of persons to whom the disclosure may be made

The period during which such information will be maintained by the cable operator

The times and place at which the subscriber may have access to such information

The limitations provided by the CCPA with respect to the collection and disclosure of information by a cable operator and the right of the subscriber under the CCPA to enforce such limitations

The annual notice must also state that the subscriber has the right to prevent disclosure of personally identifiable information to third parties, except as required by law or court order, and that the subscriber may sue for damages, attorney’s fees, and other relief for violations of the CCPA12.

References: 1: Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984, Section 631 2: [IAPP CIPP/US Study Guide], Chapter 8, Section 8.3.2

Based on the incident, the FTC’s enforcement actions against the marketer would most likely include the violation of collecting information from a childunder the age of thirteen without obtaining verifiable parental consent, as required by the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) Rule. The COPPA Rule applies to operators of commercial websites and online services (including mobile apps) that collect, use, or disclose personal information from children under 13, and operators of general audience websites or online services that have actual knowledge that they are collecting, using, or disclosing personal information from children under 13. The COPPA Rule also applies to websites or online services that are directed to children under 13 and that collect personal information from users of any age. The COPPA Rule defines personal information to include full name, address, phone number, email address, date of birth, and other identifiers that permit the physical or online contacting of a specific individual. The COPPA Rule requires operators to post a clear and comprehensive online privacy policy describing their information practices for personal information collected online from children; provide direct notice to parents and obtain verifiable parental consent, with limited exceptions, before collecting personal information online from children; give parents the choice of consenting to the operator’s collection and internal use of a child’s information, but prohibiting the operator from disclosing that information to third parties (unless disclosure is integral to the site or service, in which case, this must be made clear to parents); provide parents access to their child’s personal information to review and/or have the information deleted; give parents the opportunity to prevent further use or online collection of a child’s personal information; maintain the confidentiality, security, and integrity of information they collect from children, including by taking reasonable steps to release such information only to parties capable of maintaining its confidentiality and security; and retain personal information collected online from a child for only as long as is necessary to fulfill the purpose for which it was collected and delete the information using reasonable measures to protect against its unauthorized access or use. The FTC has the authority to seek civil penalties and injunctive relief for violations of the COPPA Rule. The FTC has brought numerous enforcement actions against operators for violating the COPPA Rule, resulting in millions of dollars in penalties and orders to delete illegally collected data. References:

Children’s Privacy | Federal Trade Commission

Kids’ Privacy (COPPA) | Federal Trade Commission

FTC Is Escalating Scrutiny of Dark Patterns, Children’s Privacy

FTC to Crack Down on Companies that Illegally Surveil Children Learning Online

FTC Takes Action Against Company for Collecting Children’s Personal Information Without Parental Permission

[IAPP CIPP/US Certified Information Privacy Professional Study Guide], Chapter 5, pages 165-168.

Celeste has a misconception regarding the consent requirements for conducting credit checks of potential employees in California. She thinks that verbal consent from the applicants is sufficient, and that they only need to be offeredaccess to the results. However, under the California Consumer Credit Reporting Agencies Act (CCRAA), employers who want to obtain a consumer credit report for employment purposes must comply with the following consent and disclosure requirements12:

Before requesting a consumer credit report, the employer must provide the applicant with a clear and conspicuous written disclosure that informs them of the following:

The specific purpose for obtaining the report.

The source of the report.

The applicant’s right to obtain a free copy of the report from the source within 60 days.

The applicant’s right to dispute the accuracy or completeness of any information in the report.

The employer must also obtain the applicant’s written authorization to obtain the report.

If the employer intends to take an adverse action based on the report, such as denying employment, the employer must provide the applicant with a copy of the report and a summary of their rights under the CCRAA before taking the action.

After taking the adverse action, the employer must provide the applicant with a notice that includes the following:

The name, address, and telephone number of the source of the report.

A statement that the source of the report did not make the decision and cannot explain why the decision was made.

A statement that the applicant has the right to obtain another free copy of the report from the source within 60 days.

A statement that the applicant has the right to dispute the accuracy or completeness of any information in the report.

Therefore, Celeste is wrong to assume that verbal consent and optional access to the results are enough to comply with the CCRAA. She should follow the written consent and disclosure requirements to avoid violating the law and potentially facing civil penalties or lawsuits. References:

California Consumer Credit Reporting Agencies Act

Employment Credit Checks: What You Need to Know | Nolo

The Dodd-Frank Act was established to prevent the risky financial practices that led to the 2007–2008 financial crisis, which included issues similar to Noah’s experience with buying stocks without understanding the risks. The act includes provisions forconsumer protection in financial services and aims to prevent abusive practices in the financial industry

The Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing (CAN-SPAM) Act is a law passed in 2003 that establishes the first national standards for the sending of commercial e-mail in the United States. The law requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to enforce its provisions. The law applies to any commercial e-mail message, which is defined as any electronic mail message the primary purpose of which is the commercial advertisement or promotion of a commercial product or service. The law does not apply to transactional or relationship messages, which are messages that facilitate an agreed-upon transaction or update a customer about an existing business relationship. The law also does not apply to non-commercial messages, such as political or charitable solicitations12

The CAN-SPAM Act is intended to help consumers by giving them more control over the commercial e-mails they receive. The law does not require companies to obtain prior consent (opt-in) from consumers before sending them commercial e-mails, but it does require companies to honor consumers’ requests to stop receiving such e-mails (opt-out). The law specifies that each commercial e-mail message must include a clear and conspicuous notice of the opportunity to decline to receive further messages from the sender, and a valid physical postal address of the sender. The sender must provide a functioning return e-mail address or other Internet-based mechanism that allows the recipient to submit an opt-out request. The sender must honor the opt-out request within 10 business days and must not sell, exchange, or transferthe e-mail address of the opt-out requester to another entity, unless the other entity is acting as an agent of the sender12

By requiring companies to allow consumers to opt-out of future e-mails, the CAN-SPAM Act aims to reduce the amount of unwanted and unsolicited commercial e-mail that consumers receive, and to protect their privacy and preferences. The law also imposes other requirements on companies that send commercial e-mails, such as banning false or misleading header information and deceptive subject lines, requiring the identification of the message as an advertisement, and requiring the labeling of sexually explicit content. The law also authorizes the FTC and other federal agencies to enforce the law and impose civil penalties for violations12

References:

Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing Act of 2003 (CAN-SPAM Act)

IAPP CIPP/US Certified Information Privacy Professional Study Guide, Chapter 4: Federal Privacy Laws, Section 4.4: The CAN-SPAM Act