Privacy Plus+ News
Stay informed with our latest insights on privacy and technology trends, along with key updates from our firm.
FTC Focuses on Vendors and Secure Software Development: Settlement with Global Tel*Link Corp.
This week, let’s consider the Federal Trade Commission’s recent settlement with Global Tel*Link Corp. and two of its subsidiaries—all were providers of products and services to “more than 85% of the U.S. inmate population” and were faulted, in part, for failing to observe secure software development practices.
Stop Selling Data: Avast's Strategy Stymied by the FTC
This week, let’s consider the Federal Trade Commission’s recent settlement with Avast, which, among other things, contains a $16.5 million penalty and bans Avast from selling web browsing data for advertising purposes
Blackbaud's FTC Deal: Delete Data, Amp Up Security
This week, let’s take a look at the Federal Trade Commission’s recent settlement with Blackbaud Inc, a service provider of software and services for more than 45,000 companies, and consider it as guidance on reasonable security measures and data retention practices.
FTC Cracks Down on Data Broker Sale of Sensitive Location Data
This week, let’s highlight the FTC’s first settlement with a data broker, which includes a proposed order banning the sale of sensitive geolocation data and containing sweeping requirements—to erase or anonymize previously collected data, verify supplier compliance, contract appropriately, and prevent data misuse by others, among other things.
Use of AI Facial Recognition by Rite Aid Banned by the FTC
This week, let’s consider the recent action by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) imposing a five-year ban on Rite Aid's use of AI facial recognition technology.
Meta Challenges the FTC: Is its Authority over Data Privacy on the Line?
This week, let’s highlight Meta’s lawsuit against the Federal Trade Commission and Supreme Court's review of SEC v. Jarkesy — we’re at a pivotal moment in regulatory oversight.
FTC Submits Comments on AI, Copyright, Consumer Protection, and Competition
This week, let’s consider the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) recent submission of a comment to the U.S. Copyright Office addressing artificial intelligence (AI).
FTC Boldly Moves into a New Era of Data Minimization and Retention
This week, let’s look at how the Federal Trade Commission has placed its focus on data minimization and retention, and consider whether this could be an inflection point in data privacy regulation.
Amazon’s Antitrust Suit Paradox
This week, let’s examine the paradox as the FTC and 17 states slam Amazon with a colossal antitrust lawsuit, accusing it of crushing competition and dictating market play.
A Closer Look at the INFORM Consumers Act: Tackling Online Fraud in 2023
This week, let’s consider the new “Integrity, Notification, and Fairness in Online Retail Marketplaces for Consumers Act,” which requires “online marketplaces” used by high-volume, third-party sellers to collect, verify, and disclose information about their sellers.
Ed Tech Privacy and Security Alert: FTC Obtains a New Consent Order against Edmodo
This week, let’s look at the latest consent order secured by the FTC against Ed Tech provider Edmodo for its collection and use of children’s personal information. Companies in the Ed Tech sector, and vigilant parents and educators should pay close attention.
“Data Provenance”: Navigating Ownership, Authenticity, and Rights in the Digital Age
This week, let’s examine “Data Provenance,” a concept that involves tracing the lineage of data — its origins, transformations, and ownership. We’ll also propose a new specialized application for “Data Provenance:” regulating the privacy of personal data.
E.U. and U.S. Have Agreed to A New Data Privacy Framework - What’s Old is New Again
This week, let’s look at the new self-certification procedure in the Data Privacy Framework facilitating the transfer of personal data from the European Union to the United States.
FTC Charges Genetic Testing Company 1Health.io with Privacy and Security Failures
This week, let’s consider the case against 1Health.io. It’s the latest FTC privacy enforcement action, and it is the first case focused on the privacy and security of genetic information.
When Atlas Shrugs – FTC Faults Amazon for Alexa and Ring
This week, let’s highlight the latest privacy enforcement actions by the Federal Trade Commission — two cases against Amazon; and also discuss the developing trend of holding company executives directly responsible for data protection.
Bad Privacy Practices at GoodRx?
This week, let’s look at a new Consent Decree required by FTC and consider its prohibition of disclosure of health information for advertising purposes, along with the FTC’s expanding privacy enforcement and continued rumblings inside the Commission.
“It’s Turtles All the Way Down” - FTC Focuses on AWS Security
This week, let’s look at a recent FTC Consent Order, then consider what lessons can be drawn about using AWS. We’ll also explain how IT infrastructure fits the turtle metaphor featured in the title of this post.
Cyber Liability for Directors and Officers
This week, let’s catch up on cyber liability issues — from Drizly to Uber to SolarWinds — officers and directors should be tuning in and turning their attention to cyber and privacy corporate governance and D&O insurance.
FTC takes Action Against Drizly and its CEO: Will Protecting Data Become a Priority for CEOs?
The FTC wants to send a very clear message to CEOs: Protecting Americans’ data is not discretionary. It must be a priority. For Drizly’s CEO’s privacy and data security have become an albatross for him to carry to his future businesses under latest FTC proposed consent order.
Avoiding the Consequences of Undisclosed Endorsements and Testimonials
This week, let’s cover “influencers,” crypto, Kim Kardashian, and the latest updates to the FTC’s Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.