Numerous federal and state laws, systemwide policies, and campus policies protect your privacy. This regulatory framework describes the requirements and processes for protecting various types of information, as well as the University's obligations in providing access to public records when requested. When releasing records or data, the University balances the obligation to act transparently with the principals of maintaining an individual's personal privacy. The following terms will assist you as you review your obligations under the law and local policy. If you have any questions about these terms or the legal or policy obligations you are under, please contact the campus privacy official.

an individual’s ability to conduct activities without concern of suspected or actual observation

large aggregated data sets of information, which may include transactional information online such as web logs, social media information or searches

a coordination of activities necessary to develop a unified culture of privacy consistent with the UC Statement of Privacy Values and Principles

the UC Electronic Communications Policy (ECP) establishes principles, rules and procedures applying to all members of the University community to specifically address issues particular to the use of electronic communications

the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records

oversees the principles and program, ensures compliance and provides high-level strategic direction (the “what”)

the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, is a Federal law that, among other things, protects the privacy of individually identifiable health information

a general concept, but as defined specifically by the ECP, the use of University resources for non-University activities, where “use does not: (i) interfere with the University’s operation of electronic communications resources; (ii) interfere with the user’s employment or other obligations to the University, or (iii) burden the University with noticeable incremental costs”

the appropriate protection, use and dissemination of information about individuals; information privacy protects data about people

supports the protection of information resources from unauthorized access, which could compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of those resources; information security protects data and infrastructures

directs and facilitates implementation of the campus privacy or information security program (the "how")

each unit must implement the program as appropriate, in accordance with management directives (drives toward the “what” with the “how”)

a tool that applies the UC Privacy Values and Principles to adjudicate between competing values, obligations and interests of the University, intended for use by privacy boards, privacy officials and others both in making policy and to guide case-specific decision-making

in general, the philosophy of embedding privacy proactively; making it the default

policy, regulations and general principles for appropriately managing, accessing and preserving administrative records throughout their lifecycle and schedules for their final disposition

principles derived from UC Statement of Privacy Values and intended to be used to guide policies and practice

declares privacy, of both autonomy and information, as an important value of the University and clarifies that privacy is one of many values and obligations of the University