Internet Marketing Law Blog

Progressive Blockchain Technology Legislation Proposed by New York Assemblyman

Cryptocurrencies have dominated the news recently, including the highest percentage loss of value that bitcoin has seen all year. Blockchain, the decentralized network facilitating and verifying cryptocurrency transactions, is a potent technology the makes possible a currency without a central bank. A New York Aseemblyman has proposed legislation related to the validity of blockchain transactions. One…

Data Protection Leader Features Richard B. Newman as Legal Source on COPPA Compliance

FTC defense lawyer Richard B. Newman of Hinch Newman LLP is featured by Data Protection Leader, an international publication for authoritative data professionals offering analysis and guidance on data privacy, compliance and data protection regulations. The article is entitled “Complying with the FTC’s COPPA Rule in a Data-Driven World.” The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) is…

California’s Updated Auto-Renewal Law Effective in 2018

The FTC continues to aggressively target negative option offers that deceptively induce consumers through a “free trial” or low-cost initial fee to make a purchase without being informed there will be recurring charges unless they cancel. All material terms must be “clearly, conspicuously and prominently” disclosed to consumers prior to the submission of billing information.…

FTC Publishes Exploratory Report Examining Native Advertising

The Federal Trade Commission has released a staff report summarizing agency-commissioned exploratory research from 2014-2015. The report, entitled “Blurred Lines: An Exploration of Consumers’ Advertising Recognition in the Contexts of Search Engines and Native Advertising,” explores consumer recognition of paid search advertising and “native advertising” that resemble news, feature articles, product reviews, entertainment or other…

New York AG Announces SHIELD Act to Protect New Yorkers From Data Breaches

New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman has introduced a new measure to “close major gaps” in the state’s “weak and outdated” data security laws. The Stop Hacks and Improve Electronic Data Security Act (SHIELD Act) would impose a legal responsibility for businesses to adopt “reasonable” administrative, technical and physical safeguards for sensitive data. The…

SCOTUS Considers Cell Phone Location Tracking Data Privacy Case

On November 29, 2017 the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral argument in United States v. Carpenter, an appeal from a Sixth Circuit decision that held the warrantless collection by law enforcement of historical cell-site location data did not violate the Fourth Amendment. The case has the potential to significantly change how the government collects, uses and…