The lack of omnibus privacy legislation and a centralized administrative body does not mean the US is deficient in legal protection for personal data. Proper safeguards have been provided through a variety of interrelated efforts that have produced privacy laws and programs sharing a common dedication to the underlying ''fair information'' principles found in international expressions of resolve. US privacy laws are strengthened by their diversity of sources, content, and enforcement mechanisms. Voluntary compliance by the US private sector with ''fair information'' principles is a successful approach to the protection of personal data. The principles and practices relating to employee privacy followed by American Telephone & Telegraph (AT&T) and the Bell System are outlined. Development of a properly balanced international comity on information transmission and storage should be advanced.