What was the purpose of the Sarbanes Oxley act, in general?

To better regulate public and private companies, ensure effectiveness of internal controls and make accountable for true and fair financial reporting.

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of (SOX) is an act passed by U.S. Congress in to protect investors from the possibility of fraudulent accounting activities by corporations. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) mandated strict reforms to improve financial disclosures from corporations and prevent accounting fraud.