Cable TV Privacy Act facts for kids
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| Long title | An Act to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to provide a national policy regarding cable television. |
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| Nicknames | 1984 Cable Act; Cable Privacy Act; Cable Communications Act; Cable Franchise Policy and Communications Act |
| Enacted by | the 98th United States Congress |
| Citations | |
| Public law | Pub.L. 98-549 |
| Statutes at Large | 98 Stat. 2779 |
| Codification | |
| Acts amended | Communications Act of 1934 |
| Legislative history | |
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The Cable TV Privacy Act of 1984 is an important law in the United States. It helps protect your personal information when you use cable television services. This law became active on December 29, 1984.
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What is the Cable TV Privacy Act?
This law makes sure that companies providing cable TV services cannot share your private information. This includes details that can identify you, like your name or what shows you watch. The Act also gives you the right to see and check your own information.
Why was this law created?
In the 1980s, cable TV was becoming very popular. People started to worry about how their personal information was being used. For example, cable companies knew what channels people watched. They also knew if people ordered special movies or services. This law was made to protect people's privacy. It ensures that your viewing habits and other personal details stay private.
Who helped make this law?
The idea for this law came from two important people in the U.S. government. They were Senator Barry Goldwater from Arizona and Representative Tim Wirth from Colorado. They introduced the bill, which is a proposed law, on January 26, 1983.
How a bill becomes a law
- First, the idea for the law was introduced in the Senate.
- The Senate voted on it on June 14, 1983, and it passed with a large majority (87 votes to 9).
- Later, the House of Representatives also voted on it on October 1, 1984, and it passed there too.
- Finally, both the House and Senate agreed on the exact wording on October 11, 1984.
- President Ronald Reagan signed the bill into law on October 30, 1984. This made it an official law for the whole country.
What does the Act do for you?
The Cable TV Privacy Act gives you important rights as a cable TV user:
- Your information is private: Cable TV providers cannot share your personal details with others.
- You can see your information: You have the right to ask your cable company to show you what personal information they have about you.
- You can correct mistakes: If you find any wrong information, you can ask them to fix it.
This law helps make sure that your experience with cable TV is private and secure.
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Sen. Barry Goldwater (R-AZ), who helped create this law.
