### Question
How is the term security freeze defined?


### Answer
The term **security freeze** is defined in *15 U.S.C. § 1681c* as the following:

> a restriction that prohibits a consumer reporting agency from disclosing the contents of a consumer report that is the subject of such security freeze or, in the case of a protected consumer for whom the consumer reporting agency does not have a file, a record that is subject to such security freeze to any person requesting the consumer report for the purpose of opening a new account involving the extension of credit

#### Citation:
  - *15 U.S.C. § 1681c*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 41-CONSUMER CREDIT PROTECTION > SUBCHAPTER III-CREDIT REPORTING AGENCIES**

