Is Scrolling the New Smoking?

Is Scrolling the New Smoking?

January 21, 2026

Is Scrolling the New Smoking?

By: Lauren Scribner

In the final weeks of 2025, New York passed a law requiring social media platforms with “certain predatory features” to display warning labels about “the dangerous impact” those features pose to the mental health of users under the age of eighteen.[1] These so-called “predatory features” include continuous and infinite scrolling, displaying addictive feeds, and automatically playing video content.[2]  Warning labels will be displayed upon the initial use of the “predatory feature” and “periodically thereafter, based on continued use.”[3] Users will not have an option to bypass or skip the warnings. In support of the new measure, New York Governor Kathy Hochul stated, “[w]ith the amount of information that can be shared online, it is essential that we prioritize mental health…

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Influencer Liability: Will New-Age Litigation Net Celebrity Spokespeople?

December 12, 2025

Influencer Liability: Will New-Age Litigation Net Celebrity Spokespeople?

By: Lauren Scribner

The “influencer economy,” in which so-called “content creators” share user-generated content such as livestreams or short-form film, is showing no signs of slowing down.  Currently valued north of $250 billion, it is projected to reach nearly $500 billion by 2027.[1] “Creators earn income primarily through direct branding deals to pitch products as an influencer; via a share of advertising revenues with the host platform; and…

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The SEC Signs on to Arbitration

September 29, 2025

The SEC Signs on to Arbitration

By: George Calhoun

Early last week, on September 17, 2025, the SEC announced that it will no longer consider the presence of a mandatory arbitration provision in a company’s charter or bylaws when deciding whether to accelerate the effectiveness of a registration statement.  This policy shift will permit companies to include arbitration clauses in their governing documents to require securities litigants (including class action plaintiffs) to pursue their…

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The Data Breach Legal Limbo on Consumers’ Ability to Sue Hacked Companies

January 16, 2018

The Data Breach Legal Limbo on Consumers’ Ability to Sue Hacked Companies

By: Nicole Kardell

The first of the year is a good time to make assessments, resolutions and predictions. We have some recommendations for companies that store and process consumer data: It is a good time to assess the strength of your data security measures and resolve to meet industry standards where you fall behind, because we predict continued pressure on companies to reduce the risk of data breaches…

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Will Big Cyber Hacks Cause the SEC to Issue New Guidelines?

January 11, 2018

Will Big Cyber Hacks Cause the SEC to Issue New Guidelines?

By: Ifrah Law

Following a change of heart from a top Securities and Exchange Commission regulator, public companies will likely soon face new guidelines for how they report cybersecurity breaches to investors. SEC Corporate Finance Division Director Bill Hinman was quoted as saying that when Chairman Jay Clayton first asked him if the existing SEC guidance needed to be refreshed, he did not think so. Hinman changed his…

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The Risks of Cryptocurrency and How the Government Will Protect Consumers

November 30, 2017

The Risks of Cryptocurrency and How the Government Will Protect Consumers

By: Steven Eichorn

Bitcoin and a host of cryptocurrencies have taken both Wall Street and Main Street by storm in 2017.  The nearly continuous gains in the price of Bitcoin have spawned numerous imitators and led a number of companies to raise critical start-up funds by selling their own token/cryptocurrency in a process similar to an initial public offering (IPO): the initial coin offering (ICO). Raising funds via…

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CFTC Regulated Markets May Give Bitcoin the Stability It Needs

November 28, 2017

CFTC Regulated Markets May Give Bitcoin the Stability It Needs

By: Ifrah Law

The unregulated nature of virtual currencies like Bitcoin plays a big role in their appeal. However, wild swings in prices in addition to the perception that these markets are subject to manipulation, make it difficult—if not impossible—for the average person to rely heavily on Bitcoin and other virtual currencies as a currency, much less as an investment vehicle. Ironically, some degree of rational regulation may…

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SEC and FTC Warn Celebrities Must Disclose Financial Connection For ICO Endorsements

November 27, 2017

SEC and FTC Warn Celebrities Must Disclose Financial Connection For ICO Endorsements

By: Ifrah Law

Cryptocurrency is the latest trend to be embraced by celebrities, so much so that the federal government this month issued a warning about the possible risks involved.  Both the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have made clear that if a celebrity is being paid to promote a product on social media, the financial connection between the endorser and…

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Articles and Presentations by Our Firm Attorneys

Is Scrolling the New Smoking?

Is Scrolling the New Smoking?
By: Lauren Scribner

Influencer Liability: Will New-Age Litigation Net Celebrity Spokespeople?

Influencer Liability: Will New-Age Litigation Net Celebrity Spokespeople?
By: Lauren Scribner

The SEC Signs on to Arbitration

The SEC Signs on to Arbitration
By: George Calhoun

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