The Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023 has been passed by Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian Parliament, amidst significant opposition. The bill’s passage has sparked controversy, as previous versions were considered in 2019 and 2022, but have been withdrawn each time. The current iteration of the bill was introduced on August 5th,…
As legal professionals, it is incumbent upon us to remain informed about issues that can profoundly impact business operations and legal considerations. One such issue that is particularly salient for companies involved in joint ventures, especially those bidding on government contracts, refers to the hurdles surrounding security clearances. The requirement for security clearances in the…
In a recent development underscoring the focus on fraud in Part C by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), it was announced last week that Martin’s Point Health Care, Inc. (Martin’s Point) has settled allegations of False Claims Act (FCA) violations to the tune of $22.4 million. The case against Martin’s Point emphasized its submission…
The minibus taxi strike in Cape Town, triggered by a labor dispute about new vehicle regulation measures, officially ended on Thursday after erupting into violent protests that claimed the lives of five people. The protesting taxi drivers were opposing a new traffic law stipulating that vehicles in violation of certain criteria would be impounded. This…
In April 2021, the European Commission proposed a comprehensive legal framework on artificial intelligence (AI). The primary objective of this legislation is to regulate the use and development of AI in the European Union (EU). Known officially as the European Union Artificial Intelligence Act, or EU AI Act, it is expected to pass later this…
Corporate lawyers have indicated that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is refocusing its efforts to enforce the False Claims Act (FCA) within the health care industry. Previously, the DOJ’s focus was primarily on hospitals and traditional medical practices, but lawyers now suggest that the focus has shifted towards fraudulent reimbursement claims in telehealth. The…
The European Union continues to take strides towards a more sustainable future by reinforcing corporate responsibility for human rights and their environmental impact. The Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), set to pass in early June 2023, reflects these ambitious efforts. The focus now falls on the passing of this significant legislation following its successful…
In a concerted effort to curb illegal telemarketing activities, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) have partnered for a multijurisdictional campaign known as “Operation Stop Scam Calls”. This initiative underscores intensifying government strategies to cease unwanted and illegal phone calls and texts that have continued to distress consumers across various jurisdictions….
Donald Trump has recently been vehemently expressing his discontent concerning the DC Circuit’s latest order which upheld sanctions on Twitter for not providing his account information to Special Counsel Jack Smith quickly enough. The former President sees this as an egregious violation of his civil rights. The Circuit Court’s mandate, originating from a search warrant…
On July 11, 2023, the United Kingdom enacted the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (‘FIRS’). Embedded as part of the National Security Act of 2023, FIRS is a compliance obligation that bears strong parallels to the United States’ Foreign Agents Registration Act (‘FARA’). Although the UK and US policy frameworks have distinct intricacies, the core objective…
Employers across the United States are grappling with increased examination of their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, following the U.S. Supreme Court decision in June to overturn affirmative action in university admissions. This new legal landscape has prompted several substantial law firms to form specialized teams, aiming to audit and defend employers’ actions in…
In a recent report issued to Congress on August 1, 2023, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System shed light on potential risks to the US financial system arising from the advent of quantum computing and generative artificial intelligence. The Board suggested that these emerging threats required collective actions across government sectors, as…
On July 13, 2023, the U.S. Government introduced the Implementation Plan for the National Cybersecurity Strategy, a follow-up to the National Cybersecurity Strategy that was released earlier in the same year. The purpose of the implementation plan is to guide federal agencies tasked with converting the objectives of the National Cybersecurity Strategy from concept into…
The British government has recently unveiled modifications to the EU Settlement Scheme, specifically touching upon the process for extending leave – the right to live in the United Kingdom – under this framework. The announcement signifies an important shift in the approach towards EU nationals residing in the UK, with potential repercussions for corporations that…
In a bold move towards transparency, the New York State Assembly has recently passed the LLC Transparency Act (the LLC Act), a significant piece of legislation focusing on limited liability companies (LLCs)source. If endorsed by New York Governor Kathy Hochul, the LLC Act will necessitate LLCs registered or formed in the state of New York…
As the legal landscape shifts to address climate change, new legal frameworks are coming into existence. Last year, the Department of Interior (DOI) revised an estimate which showed a significant increase in the number of orphaned or abandoned wells throughout the United States, documenting 130,000 – up from less than half its previous count. The…
In a major shift from previous regulations, the Department of Labor (DOL) announced on August 8, 2023, their final rule revising the Davis-Bacon Act (DBA) and Davis-Bacon Related Acts regulations. As legal professionals, government and public sector lawyers, particularly those with construction clients, should take note of these significant changes. According to PilieroMazza PLLC, these…
As the tech–legal landscape continues to evolve across the globe, one challenge has become abundantly clear: the United States currently lacks a comprehensive and cohesive plan to regulate artificial intelligence (AI) effectively. This is not to suggest a lack of effort, as the country has indeed witnessed a cascade of introductory bills, statements, reports, and…
In a push to safeguard domestic trade secrets against infringement by foreign entities, the U.S. Congress recently enacted the Protecting American Intellectual Property Act of 2022, 35 USC § 1709 (PAIPA). This piece of legislation underscores Congress’s steadfast approach and aggressive stance on intellectual property protection. PAIPA dictates the use of sanctions, selected from a…
On August 3, 2023, the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Council moved to clarify and streamline existing environmental regulations with a proposed “Sustainable Procurement” rule. Presented as an effort to enhance organization and lucidity within the sector’s normative landscape, the rule seeks to fundamentally rearrange FAR Part 23, transferring elements unrelated to sustainability or material safety…
In a move set to pave way for innovation and create opportunities across various industrial sectors, the newly established Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors for America Research and Development Office (CHIPS R&D Office) has received an appropriation of $11 billion. This funding is earmarked to advance research and development in semiconductor technologies, a cornerstone…
Last Saturday, a shocking development in Pakistan’s political scene unfolded when former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman, Imran Khan, was found guilty in a corruption case. He was arrested following accusations of selling state gifts worth over 154 million PKR, a sentence handed down by a trial court in Islamabad that potentially puts…
In recent legal developments, Dentons – a heavyweight in the world of law firms – has ceased operations in China, triggering speculation about how other Western firms might respond to this decision. According to Kent Zimmermann, a U.S.-based principal at Zeughauser Group, Dentons’ withdrawal could herald wider trends as the stringent conditions for the practice…
The hospice sector is facing heightened government scrutiny, especially in 2023. As indicated by the situation, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) intends to enact further measures in 2024, primarily through surveys. This recent report elaborates on the scenario. Insights from legal professionals Meg Pekarske, Emily Solum, and Erin Burns from Husch Blackwell…
In a recent turn of events, Rob Bonta, the Attorney General of California, has petitioned the Los Angeles County Superior Court for a civil forfeiture order. This move is intended to enable the state to collect unpaid taxes and fees from an unlicensed marijuana business, by taking possession of its assets. This action by the…