In recent months, the United States has witnessed a surge in state privacy laws. With this wave of legal changes, companies now find themselves grappling with an increasingly extensive list of requirements imposed by these laws. One of the law firms keeping an active track of these developments is Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP….
As legal professionals, we’ve witnessed technology significantly transform the mechanisms of our day-to-day operations. Recently, leading the batch of disruptive technologies is Artificial Intelligence (AI). From AI-enabled chatbots to sophisticated virtual assistants, the scope and influence of AI in the legal sector are no longer mere buzzwords, but tangible realities. The presence of AI across…
The UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has published draft guidance on biometric recognition for public consultation on August 18, 2023. This Draft Guidance aims at shedding light on the application of data protection laws when organisations employ biometric recognition systems. Read more here. Titled “Getting to Know Who,” the draft guidance explores the complexities related…
The mobile device tap-to-pay market is the latest subject of study for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), flagging a potential precursor to new regulation, as the bureau focuses on the practices of smartphone companies and their influence on consumers’ utilization of this technology. A concrete focus of the study, published on September 7, 2023,…
In keeping with Dubai's Autonomous Transportation Strategy, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, introduced legislation on April 14, 2023. The new regulation, known as Law No. (9) of 2023, provides a comprehensive legal framework for the operation of autonomous vehicles in the Emirate of Dubai,…
In an alarming development for corporate data security, Community Trust Bank, Inc. recently confirmed that a vendor data breach occurred linked to the MOVEit file-transfer application. The notice of the data security incident was provided on September 8, 2023 to the Attorney General of Maine. The breach came to light when one of the bank’s…
Although new legislation centered around advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) might still be months away, an increasing number of insightful legal professionals are already implementing comprehensive best practices. These strategies not only enable them to adapt to potential regulations but also leverage the benefits of AI in their enterprises. Detailed information on this topic was…
In a recent development within the Big Tech arena, Instagram’s parent company Meta Platforms, Inc. (“Meta”) has agreed to a $68.5 million class-action biometric privacy settlement. The settlement is in relation to their alleged violation of the Biometric Information Privacy Act, 740 ILCS 14/1, et seq. (BIPA). The lawsuit was filed in June following initial…
As of September 1, a significant change came into effect in Swiss legislation regarding data protection. Named the Swiss Federal Act on Data Protection, or nFADP, this law was passed by the Swiss parliament last year. This was reported by Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete, LLP on JD Supra. The nFADP introduces a series of…
The Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has announced plans to propose new regulations, targeting the growing reliance on non-traditional data sources in the field of consumer finance. This decision stems from the concern over recent transformations in the way banks and finance companies approach the management of loans. Previously, banks and finance…
As the summer winds down and legislative bodies reconvene, it’s crucial for businesses to stay informed – and compliant – with the rapidly evolving landscape of state privacy laws. The year 2023 has seen a flurry of activity in state legislatures, prompted largely by the U.S. Congress’s inability to pass a comprehensive privacy law. According…
In an era of increasing digital threats and heightened scrutiny on data privacy, vendor agreements are undergoing significant changes. Recent efforts by the Department of Labor (DOL) focus on best practices in cybersecurity and data privacy for fiduciaries who contract and monitor recordkeepers and other plan providers. With the enforcement of new state privacy laws,…
The first half of 2023 witnessed a surge of activity in the privacy and data security domains. With a special focus on the insurance industry, there were a slew of noteworthy developments. These changes and updates have primarily been led by the reputed law firm, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP. Continuing our comprehensive coverage…
As expectations of legal services continue to transform in a more technologically driven age, client satisfaction remains a pivotal aspect to the growth and reputation of any law firm. A fundamental way firms can bolster their standing in both these areas is through Virtual Legal Assistants (VLAs) powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI). Imagine a personal…
In a significant move towards enhancing data privacy and cybersecurity, California has revealed new draft requirements. The California Privacy Protection Agency (CPPA) Board disclosed draft regulations on Risk Assessment and Cybersecurity Audit on August 29, 2023. The board indicated that the formal rulemaking process would commence shortly, likely soon after the Board’s public meeting slated…
In a crucial development towards online child protection, Australia’s eSafety Office is set to compel search engines to eradicate AI-generated child sexual abuse content from their search results, according to Commissioner Julie Inman Grant’s recent announcement. This measure is designed to combat the rising threats to children’s rights and privacy instigated by AI and deepfakes….
The European Commission has recently approved the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework (DPF) geared towards the transfer of data from the EU to the United States. In this respect, the privacy, cyber, and data strategy team of international law firm Alston & Bird has been discussing what companies need to consider when choosing between using the…
In a notable display of non-attachment to material wealth, a high-ranking hedge fund manager has seemingly embodied the Zen philosophy, leading to a staggering $43 million discount for a lucky affluent individual. While wide commentary and perceptions differ, the subtle interactions of material wealth, personal philosophy and economic decisions merge in this fascinating case that…
Medical technology company Medtronic has been handed a lawsuit following allegations that it impermissibly shared users’ private health information with Google and other unspecified third parties. The class action lawsuit was filed on August 30, 2023 in the Central District of California. The plaintiffs in the case are users of Medtronic’s InPen system, a smart…
In an effort to address the rising menace of cyber threats, the Joint Commission issued a Sentinel Event Alert on August 15, 2023. The alert, dubbed “Preserving patient safety after a cyberattack,” aims to provide advice and steps on how healthcare institutions can maintain safe patient care during a cyber-attack. The Sentinel Event Alert calls…
In an official notice filed with the Attorney General of Maine on September 7, 2023, Lifeline Systems Company (“Lifeline”) disclosed a significant data breach involving the unauthorized access to sensitive customer information. The company has confirmed that personal data of over 74,000 customers have been exposed as a result of the breach. The incident marks…
In 2021, an increasing number of states have enacted legislation to examine the implications of artificial intelligence (AI). This is an anticipatory move to potentially regulate this emerging technology and address its expected impact on employment, civil liberties, and property rights. As the implementation and influence of AI continue to expand, attorneys, corporate entities, and…
On September 8, 2023, the California Privacy Protection Agency (CPPA) is expected to discuss the newly proposed sets of regulations under the California Privacy Protection Act (CCPA). These revisions have attracted significant attention from legal professionals, especially those active in the fields of data privacy and security. The new regulations are the focal point of…
A recent third-party data breach has led to unauthorized access to an unknown number of Janssen CarePath customers’ private data, shedding light once more on the increasing threat that cyberattacks pose for corporations worldwide, especially those handling sensitive consumer information. According to a press release issued by IBM on September 6, 2023, the data breach…
In recent news, the Privacy Commissioner of Canada, in conjunction with international data protection authorities, has made a collective call to websites and social media platforms, urging them to bolster efforts to protect personal information from unlawful data scratching. This was revealed in a joint statement issued by these authorities. As the cyberspace landscape continues…