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Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Posts
Will Free Speech Become Expensive for Big Tech?
Dec 2, 2024
Will Free Speech Become Expensive for Big Tech?
Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act[1] is the federal law that allows internet platforms to host online content without fear of lawsuits based on third party content. In other words, for hosting free speech, internet providers are given immunity from liability if the speech somehow crosses the line from protected free speech into unprotected…
Dolce Vita Ruling a Win for Cookies and Pixels Alike
Nov 21, 2024
Dolce Vita Ruling a Win for Cookies and Pixels Alike
In recent years, companies in industries from media to healthcare have faced a rash of lawsuits challenging their use of common web tracking technologies such as the Meta Pixel. These cases generally allege that the use of such tracking technologies violates common law privacy protections and a wide range of state and federal privacy statutes….
What are cookie consents and do you really need them on your website?
Oct 15, 2024
What are cookie consents and do you really need them on your website?
Most of us are accustomed to receiving pop-up notices regarding cookies when we first visit a website. Some people quickly click the “accept” button and move on. Others review their choices, and opt out of some, if not all, optional cookies. Why suddenly, have we been offered such choices online, even in the U.S.? Those…
FTC Adds COPPA Violations to the Growing List of Privacy Concerns While TikTok is on the Clock
Aug 13, 2024
FTC Adds COPPA Violations to the Growing List of Privacy Concerns While TikTok is on the Clock
For years now, TikTok has seemed to be the center of attention. From viral baking content to true crime to dancing videos to family-influencer content, everyone seems to be on it or talking about it. And the FTC has said that’s part of the problem. On August 2, the Department of Justice (“DOJ”) brought a suit…
Ready, Set, Go: More States Adopt Privacy Laws
Jul 8, 2024
Ready, Set, Go: More States Adopt Privacy Laws
Note the below chart was updated on July 8, 2024 to reflect recent developments. The number of U.S. states that have adopted privacy laws grows regularly. Fortunately, there seems to be quite a bit of crossover, at least when it comes to thresholds that companies must meet in order to trigger compliance requirements. We provide…
Will AI lead Google Paid Advertisers to Ask for a Refund?
Jun 27, 2024
Will AI lead Google Paid Advertisers to Ask for a Refund?
In May 2024, Google unveiled a suite of new AI products as part of its strategy to reassert its position as a dominant powerhouse in all things technology. This approach includes revamping its Google Search functionality, the product after which it has a verb named, by incorporating its proprietary AI, named Gemini, into Search. Was…
Ad-Tech Europe: The Moving Target Marking Targeted Advertising
Apr 26, 2024
Ad-Tech Europe: The Moving Target Marking Targeted Advertising
The European Data Protection Board (“EDPB”) recently published an opinion on the legality of pay-or-consent models for online platforms offering services in Europe. While the opinion is non-binding and limited to “large online platforms[1],” companies that offer platforms large and small in Europe should pay attention to the EDPB’s analysis—it will inform their future guidance…
OpenAI’s Legal Troubles Mount as New York Times Lawsuit Escalates Alongside SEC Investigation
Mar 4, 2024
OpenAI’s Legal Troubles Mount as New York Times Lawsuit Escalates Alongside SEC Investigation
On February 28th, 2024, the Wall Street Journal reported that the Securities and Exchange Commission (”SEC”) is investigating OpenAI’s internal communications following the board’s ousting and re-introduction of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman in November 2023. Importantly, the SEC’s scrutiny of OpenAI adds to the mounting legal and regulatory challenges faced by the company. As rationale…
Ding Dong – The Police Want Access to Your Doorbell Footage. Can They Get It?
Feb 16, 2024
Ding Dong – The Police Want Access to Your Doorbell Footage. Can They Get It?
The popular electronic doorbell company, Ring, recently announced a change to its policy of sharing doorbell footage with law enforcement agencies. In a blog post, the company, which is owned by Amazon, revealed it will sunset the “Request for Assistance” tool, which allowed law enforcement agencies to request and access users’ doorbell footage through Ring’s…
2024, AI, and the Harnessing of the Wild West
Jan 10, 2024
2024, AI, and the Harnessing of the Wild West
We are writing a lot about artificial intelligence these days… but then there is a lot to say on the topic. AI is making headlines in terms of legal battles and legislative developments. At the end of 2023, the New York Times filed suit against Microsoft and OpenAI for copyright infringement based upon alleged unauthorized…
