Final answer:
Private businesses, government agencies, and researchers are required to comply with privacy laws such as the Privacy Act, which safeguard personal information. They must navigate a complex landscape of regulations, including special laws for children's data and national security considerations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Privacy Act mandates that certain people and entities maintain the confidentiality and integrity of personal information. Three main groups that are required to comply with such privacy laws include private businesses, government agencies, and researchers. Private businesses, like social media platforms, are required to respect user privacy settings and comply with laws like the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act. Moreover, many private businesses have faced substantial scrutiny and legal obligations to protect the personal data they handle.
Government agencies are also bound by privacy laws, as seen with the EU General Data Protection Regulation, which imposes strict data protection standards. Additionally, in cases of national security, laws such as Section 215 of the USA PATRIOT Act come into play, although they must be balanced with privacy concerns.
Researchers are obligated to safeguard the privacy of their research participants, even when faced with demands from authorities. It's essential to note that the level of privacy protection can vary by country and even within countries, depending on specific laws and regulations.