Information Technology Law - Guide to IT Law
IT laws cover the criminal aspect of the misuse of Information Technology and is discussed in our Computer Crime and Cyberspace Crime Law Guides.
Information Technology Law - US
- ABA - Legal Technology Resource Center
The ABA's Legal Technology Resource Center is where legal professionals turn for technology information. The LTRC staff educates the legal profession on technology usage and trends. The LTRC provides a comprehensive collection of technology resources and information. The LTRC strives to remain at the forefront of technology issues facing the legal community.
- Electronic Communications Privacy Act
The Electronic Communications Privacy Act of 1986 (ECPA Pub. L. 99-508, Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1848, 18 U.S.C. § 2510)[2] was enacted by the United States Congress to extend government restrictions on wire taps from telephone calls to include transmissions of electronic data by computer. Specifically, ECPA was an amendment to Title III of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (the Wiretap Statute), which was primarily designed to prevent unauthorized government access to private electronic communications.
- Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA)
Title III of the E-Government Act, entitled the Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) requires each federal agency to develop, document, and implement an agency-wide program to provide information security for the information and information systems that support the operations and assets of the agency, including those provided or managed by another agency, contractor, or other source.
- Health Information Privacy (HIPAA)
The Privacy Rule provides federal protections for personal health information held by covered entities and gives patients an array of rights with respect to that information. The Privacy Rule is balanced so that it permits the disclosure of personal health information needed for patient care and other important purposes.
- Information Technology Law - Definition
Information Technology Law (or IT Law) is a set of recent legal enactments, currently in existence in several countries, which governs the process and dissemination of information digitally. These legal enactments cover a broad gamut of different aspects relating to computer software, protection of computer software, access and control of digital information, privacy, security, internet access and usage, and electronic commerce. These laws have been described as "paper laws" for "paperless environment".
- Judiciary Information Technology Fund
There is hereby established in the Treasury of the United States a special fund to be known as the “Judiciary Information Technology Fund” (hereafter in this section referred to as the “Fund”). Moneys in the Fund shall be available to the Director without fiscal year limitation for the procurement (by lease, purchase, exchange, transfer, or otherwise) of information technology resources for program activities included in the courts of appeals, district courts, and other judicial services account of the judicial branch of the United States.
- Paperwork Reduction Act
The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980, Pub. L. No. 96-511, 94 Stat. 2812 (Dec. 11, 1980), codified in part at Subchapter I of Chapter 35 of Title 44 of the United States Code, 44 U.S.C. § 3501 through 44 U.S.C. § 3521, is a United States federal law enacted in 1980 that gave authority over the collection of certain information to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Within the OMB, the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) was established with specific authority to regulate matters regarding federal information and to establish information policies. These information policies were intended to reduce the total amount of paperwork handled by the United States government and the general public.
- Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act - Electronic and Information Technology
Standards issued by the Board under Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act cover access to electronic and information technology procured by Federal agencies. These standards are part of the Federal government’s procurement regulations. The Board is conducting a joint update of these standards and its guidelines for telecommunications products.
Organizations Related to Information Technology Law
- Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility
CPSR is a global organization promoting the responsible use of computer technology. Founded in 1981, CPSR educates policymakers and the public on a wide range of issues. CPSR has incubated numerous projects such as Privaterra, the Public Sphere Project, EPIC (the Electronic Privacy Information Center), the 21st Century Project, the Civil Society Project, and the CFP (Computers, Freedom & Privacy) Conference. Originally founded by U.S. computer scientists, CPSR now has members in 26 countries on six continents.
- Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is an independent United States government agency. The FCC was established by the Communications Act of 1934 and is charged with regulating interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite and cable. The FCC's jurisdiction covers the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. possessions.
- Institute for Telecommunication Sciences (ITS)
The Institute for Telecommunication Sciences (ITS) is the research and engineering laboratory of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). ITS supports such NTIA telecommunications objectives as promotion of advanced telecommunications and information infrastructure development in the United States, enhancement of domestic competitiveness, improvement of foreign trade opportunities for U.S. telecommunications firms, and facilitation of more efficient and effective use of the radio spectrum.
- ITechLaw
ITechLaw is a not-for-profit organization established to inform and educate lawyers about the unique legal issues arising from the evolution, production, marketing, acquisition and use of information and communications technology. We provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and in-depth examination of information technology and telecommunications law issues.
- National Telecommunications and Information Administration
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration is an agency in the U.S. Department of Commerce that serves as the executive branch agency principally responsible for advising the President on telecommunications and information policies. In this role, NTIA frequently works with other Executive Branch agencies to develop and present the Administration's position on these issues.
- NIST - Information Technology Portal
Advancing the state-of-the-art in IT in such applications as cyber security and biometrics, the National Institute of Standards and Technology accelerates the development and deployment of systems that are reliable, usable, interoperable, and secure; advances measurement science through innovations in mathematics, statistics, and computer science; and conducts research to develop the measurements and standards infrastructure for emerging information technologies and applications.
- Office of International Affairs (OIA)
NTIA’s Office of International Affairs (OIA) is the principal adviser to the President on international telecommunications and information policy. In fulfilling this role, OIA has two primary responsibilities: the formulation of the Administration’s international infomation and communications technology (ICT) goals and strategies and advocate and advance U.S. policy interests and objectives in bilateral, regional and multilateral fora and consultations.
- Office of Telecommunications and Information Applications
NTIA's Office of Telecommunications and Information Applications (OTIA) assists public and non-profit entities in effectively using telecommunications and information technologies to better provide public services and advance other national goals. In addition, the office is administering programs that are helping the nation's transition to digital televison.
Publications Related to Information Technology Law
- Computer and Information Technology, Communications and Internet Law
The University of Chicago Library serves its users from five campus libraries, all of which are located on the main Hyde Park campus. We are also in the process of building the Joe and Rika Mansueto Library, a state-of-the-art facility at the heart of campus.
- Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC)
EPIC is a public interest research center in Washington, D.C. It was established in 1994 to focus public attention on emerging civil liberties issues and to protect privacy, the First Amendment, and constitutional values. EPIC publishes an award-winning e-mail and online newsletter on civil liberties in the information age - the EPIC Alert. We also publish reports and even books about privacy, open government, free speech, and other important topics related to civil liberties.
Articles on HG.org Related to Information Technology Law
- Blended FamiliesEstate planning for blended families adds a layer of complexity. Each estate plan will differ based upon personal and financial goals as well as the age of and relationship with the children involved. Below are some issues to consider during the process of estate planning for blended families.
- Issues in Social Security – Proof of MarriageIndia and Vance had been married for 27 years at his death. When she turned 62 she applied for widows benefits. Social Security requires as part of the application for Widows benefits that she show proof of marriage. India could not find her marriage certificate. She requested a copy from the Bureau of Vital Statistics in the state where she and Vance were married and was told they had no record of her marriage. What does she do now?
- Reaffirmation AgreementsA Chapter 7 bankruptcy debtor must state an intention to retain or surrender personal property. Personal property may be a car. After the passage of the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention Consumer Protection Act (BAPCPA) in 2005, the options available to the debtor desiring to keep an asset was restricted.
- After a Bankruptcy DischargeA person can rebuild credit after a bankruptcy discharge by creating a savings plan. Like quitting difficult habits, getting back to financial health does not happen overnight. Open a savings account and try to save a portion of your monthly net income, income from your second job, or your bonuses.
- Maryland Lawyers Battle over Same Sex Divorce - Maryland Appeals Court Okays Same Sex DivorceMaryland - May 18, 2012 - A new story recently emerged in the heated debate over gay marriage. Last week, Maryland's highest court held that courts in that state must apply divorce laws equally, and grant a divorce, for gay marriages that were legally formed in another state.
- New Permanent Resident Visa for US, EU and OECD Countries - PanamaCitizens of around 20 countries are now allowed to apply for a permanent resident visa with lower investment requirements. Executive Order 343 of 16 May 2012 was published in the Official Gazette, "which creates the sub-category of Permanent Resident in the form of foreign nationals from specific countries which maintain friendly, professional, economic, and investment relationships with the Republic of Panama within the immigration category of Permanent Resident."
- What Children's "Best Interests" Really Mean?For adults engaged in difficult divorce and custody battles, it can be all too easy to forget the significant, long-lasting impact that these types of proceedings can have on those most sensitive to the fallout, children. Unfortunately, the setup of the court system promotes a competitive approach to determining custody in that one party is the so-called winner (the “primary” custodian) and one party is the so-called loser (the “partial” custodian) in most cases. Children do not see it that way.
- Gaining SupportOut of all the domestic issues that can arise, payment or receipt of child and/or spousal support is one of the most common. Both types of support are governed by the Pennsylvania Support Guidelines which establish a rubric for calculating the amount of the obligation. While the guidelines are fairly straightforward, determining the payor’s support obligation can be challenging, depending on the particular circumstances. Below are some of the issues that can arise:
- The Stamp War - Shoot Five: Gaylord v. United StatesIn litigation that already has lasted nearly twice as long as the war itself, volleys are still being fired over the copyright for a portion of the memorial to a war that ended in armistice and not peace. On May 14, 2012, Gaylord v. United States was remanded by the U. S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit to the U. S. Court of Federal Claims for another shot at determining the amount of damages, the fifth courthouse battle in this protracted campaign.
- Do I Really Need to Worry about Social Security?We have all heard the warning for years now about the Social Security retirement system. Some analysts issue warnings that are dire predictions of doom while others tell us that the problem can be fixed. So do you need to be worried and if so what can you do about it?
- All Science and Technology Law Articles
Articles written by attorneys and experts worldwide discussing legal aspects related to Science and Technology including: biotechnology, chemical law, computer and software, data protection, information technology, internet law, research and development, telecommunications law.

