Five principles that underpin Federal policy protecting communications are: (1) making available some protected channels; (2) making protected channels universally available; (3) providing innate security for some channels; (4) making protections known and predictable; and (5) establishing a procedure to balance privacy with a right of eavesdrop. Revolutionary changes in the technology of communications have created situations that jeopardize the privacy of individuals. Digitally coded information, incorporation of computer intelligence into the communication system, the growth in electronic transactions, and privatizing the deregulation have created challenges for policy makers. Additionally, these technologies have created new opportunities for employers to monitor employees. Rapid changes in technology have overcome past attempts to protect communications privacy. Those advocating personal privacy on a telephone line and a commercial transfer of valuable assets often have similar interests and concerns, thus signaling the need for a broad consensus to protect privacy in the information age. 20 footnotes.