In plain terms. The Electronic Communications Privacy Act of 1986 governs the interception of communications in transit (Wiretap Act), access to stored communications (Stored Communications Act), and the use of pen registers and trap-and-trace devices. It is the central framework for lawful access to electronic, email, and cloud-stored data, and a key reference for contractors handling such data.
Citation. Pub. L. 99-508 (Oct. 21, 1986); 18 U.S.C. §§ 2510-2523, 2701-2713, 3121-3127.