What penalties can violators of the Electronic Communications Privacy Act face?

Violators of the Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA) can face both criminal and civil penalties, which is why choosing the option that states both criminal and civil penalties is correct. The ECPA establishes the legal framework for the privacy of electronic communications and prohibits unauthorized interception, access, or disclosure of electronic communications.

Criminal penalties under the ECPA can include fines and imprisonment for individuals or entities found to knowingly and intentionally violate the Act. On the other hand, civil penalties may involve monetary damages awarded to individuals whose rights under the act have been violated, which serves to compensate them for any harm that was incurred due to the violation.

By encompassing both forms of penalties—criminal punishment aimed at deterring and punishing wrongful behavior and civil remedies intended for compensation—the ECPA provides a robust mechanism for maintaining privacy in electronic communications, thus serving its purpose effectively.