Which law governs the protection of personal data in the United States?

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a significant regulation in the United States that specifically addresses the protection of personal data within the realm of healthcare. Enacted in 1996, HIPAA established national standards for the protection of certain health information, ensuring that individuals' medical records and other personal health information are kept confidential and secure.

This act applies to healthcare providers, health plans, and healthcare clearinghouses that transmit data in an electronic form, thereby granting individuals rights over their health information and imposing strict penalties for breaches. The emphasis on safeguarding sensitive personal data related to health makes HIPAA a cornerstone in the legislative framework for data protection in the U.S.

Other laws mentioned, such as FERPA, primarily focus on educational records and privacy rights for students; PIPA is a more general term that may not apply within the framework of U.S. legislation as commonly recognized in specific states or countries, while FCRA deals with the regulation of consumer reporting agencies and credit information. Consequently, HIPAA stands out as the most pertinent law in protecting personal data in the context of health information.