On July 5, 2017, the FTC announced that Blue Global Media, LLC agreed to settle charges that it misled consumers into filling out loan applications and then sold those applications, including sensitive personal information contained therein, to other entities without verifying how consumers’ information would be used or whether it would remain secure.… Continue Reading
On June 21, 2017, the Federal Trade Commission updated its guidance for complying with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act. The FTC enforces the COPPA Rule, which sets requirements regarding children’s privacy and safety online.… Continue Reading
On June 5, 2017, an Illinois federal court ordered satellite television provider Dish Network to pay a record 280 million dollars in civil penalties for violations of the FTC’s Telemarketing Sales Rule, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act and state law.… Continue Reading
On May 12, 2017, a massive ransomware attack, known as “WannaCry,” began affecting tens of thousands of computer systems in over 100 countries. These types of incidents can have significant legal implications for affected entities and industries for whom data access and continuity is critical. As affected entities work to understand and respond to the threat of ransomware, we address some of the key legal considerations.… Continue Reading
Privacy and data security issues have become the subject of critical focus in corporate mergers, acquisitions, divestitures and related transactions. Because of this heightened concern, it is imperative that companies conduct thorough due diligence about privacy and data security issues before entering into a transaction.… Continue Reading
On April 19, 2017, the FTC announced that it is seeking public comment on proposed changes to TRUSTe, Inc.’s safe harbor program under the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule.… Continue Reading
On April 3, 2017, President Trump signed a bill which nullifies the Broadband Consumer Privacy Rules promulgated by the FCC in October 2016 . … Continue Reading
On March 17, 2017, the Federal Trade Commission announced that Upromise, Inc., agreed to pay 500,000 dollars to settle allegations that it violated the terms of a 2012 consent order that required Upromise to provide notice to consumers regarding its data collection and use practices, and obtain third-party audits.… Continue Reading
On March 3, 2017, the FTC announced the results of a study about online businesses’ use of proper email authentication technology to prevent phishing attacks. … Continue Reading
Hunton & Williams LLP, in coordination with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, recently issued a report that provides a series of recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of data privacy regulators. … Continue Reading
On March 1, 2017, the Federal Communications Commission, under the new leadership of Chairman Ajit Pai, voted 2-1 to issue a temporary stay of the data security obligations of the FCC’s Broadband Consumer Privacy Rules, which were to go into effect March 2, 2017. The temporary stay will remain in place until the FCC is able to act on pending petitions for reconsideration. … Continue Reading
On February 22, 2017, the Federal Trade Commission announced that it had reached settlement agreements with three U.S. companies charged with deceiving consumers about their participation in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Cross-Border Privacy Rules system.… Continue Reading
On February 6, 2017, the FTC announced that it has agreed to settle charges that VIZIO, Inc., installed software on about 11 million consumer televisions to collect viewing data without consumers’ knowledge or consent. The stipulated federal court order requires VIZIO to pay 2.2 million dollars to the FTC and New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. … Continue Reading
On January 23, 2017, the FTC released a Staff Report on cross-device tracking technology that can link multiple Internet-connected devices to the same person and track that person’s activity across those devices. The Report follows a November 2015 workshop on the same subject and is based on information and comments gathered during that workshop.… Continue Reading
On December 20, 2016, the FTC announced that it has agreed to settle charges that Turn Inc., a company that enables commercial brands and ad agencies to target digital advertising to consumers, tracked consumers online even after consumers took steps to opt out of tracking. … Continue Reading
On December 14, 2016, the FTC announced that the operators of the AshleyMadison.com website have settled with the FTC and a coalition of state regulators over charges that the companies deceived consumers and failed to protect users’ personal information.… Continue Reading
On December 1, 2016, the nonpartisan Commission on Enhancing Cybersecurity issued its Report on Securing and Growing the Digital Economy, which includes recommended actions that the government and private sector can take over the next 10 years to improve cybersecurity. … Continue Reading
On November 30, 2016, the FTC released a staff summary of a recent public workshop called Putting Disclosures to the Test. The workshop examined ways of testing and evaluating company disclosures regarding advertising claims and privacy practices. … Continue Reading
On November 1, 2016, the FTC announced that a group of entities known as the Consumer Education Group settled FTC charges that, between late 2013 and 2015, it made millions of telemarketing calls, including pre-recorded robocalls, to consumers on the national Do Not Call Registry, in violation of the Telemarketing Sales Rule.… Continue Reading
On October 27, 2016, the Federal Communications Commission announced the adoption of rules that require broadband Internet Service Providers to take steps to protect consumer privacy. … Continue Reading
On October 25, 2016, the Federal Trade Commission released a guide for businesses on how to handle and respond to data breaches. The 16-page guide details steps businesses should take once they become aware of a potential breach. The guide also underscores the need for cyber-specific insurance to help offset potentially significant response costs.… Continue Reading
On October 27, 2016, the Federal Communications Commission will vote on whether to finalize proposed rules concerning new privacy restrictions for Internet Service Providers.… Continue Reading
On August 29, 2016, the Federal Trade Commission announced that it is seeking public comment regarding the Gramm Leach Bliley Act Safeguards Rule.… Continue Reading
On July 29, 2016, the Federal Trade Commission announced that it had issued an opinion and final order reversing the administrative law judge’s decision by finding that LabMD failed to maintain reasonable security practices to protect consumers’ sensitive personal information in violation of Section 5 of the FTC Act.… Continue Reading
