Articles Posted in Internet Law

Revenge porn—also known as non-consensual pornography—refers to the sharing of explicit images or videos of individuals without their consent, often with the intent to cause harm, shame, or distress. State and federal laws in the United States address the criminalization of revenge porn. While state laws vary widely, there is also a federal statute that addresses non-consensual pornography.

Federal Law: 18 U.S.C. § 2261A (The SHIELD Act)

   – In 2019, Congress passed the Stopping Harmful Image Exploitation and Limiting Distribution (SHIELD) Act, which amends federal stalking law to include a provision that criminalizes certain instances of revenge porn.

Hackers use a variety of methods to compromise computers, email accounts, and bank accounts, typically exploiting vulnerabilities in systems, weak security practices, or human error. Below are some of the most common techniques hackers use to gain unauthorized access:

1. Phishing

– Method: Hackers send fraudulent emails, text messages, or websites that appear to be from legitimate sources (such as banks, email providers, or well-known companies). These messages trick users into providing sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords, or credit card details.

The Right to Be Forgotten (RTBF) under Article 17 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a legal right that allows individuals to request the deletion of their personal data by data controllers (organizations that collect and manage personal data). It is also known as the right to erasure. Article 17 aims to empower individuals by giving them control over their personal information, particularly in the context of the digital world where data can be easily accessible and long-lasting.

Key Elements of Article 17 (Right to Erasure):

1. Right to Request Erasure: Individuals can request the deletion of their personal data from a data controller if one of the following conditions applies:

California has enacted several laws to protect consumer privacy with one of the most significant being the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) which was expanded by the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA). These laws grant consumers various rights regarding their personal data, including, but not necessarily limited to, the right to request the deletion of their personal information. Here’s how these rights apply to deleting personal information from third-party websites:

Key Consumer Rights Under CCPA/CPRA

1. Right to Request Deletion (Under CCPA/CPRA)

As artificial intelligence (AI) technology becomes increasingly integral to various industries, companies face a growing number of legal obligations at the state, federal, and international levels. These obligations address a range of issues, from data privacy and bias to intellectual property and transparency. This article explores the key legal frameworks that govern the use of AI technology and the compliance challenges that companies must navigate.

State Laws

At the state level, the regulation of AI is still in its early stages, but some states have begun to implement laws and guidelines addressing specific aspects of AI, particularly in the areas of data privacy and bias:

Virtual Reality (VR) technology is rapidly transforming industries from entertainment and gaming to education and healthcare. As VR becomes more integrated into daily life, it also raises unique legal questions. In California, a state known for being at the forefront of both technology and regulation, various laws already impact VR technology, even though there are no VR-specific laws currently on the books. This article explores the key areas of California law that intersect with the use and development of VR, including privacy, data protection, consumer protection, and intellectual property.

Privacy and Data Protection Laws

Privacy is one of the most critical legal issues in VR, especially in California, which has some of the strongest privacy protections in the United States. Two major pieces of legislation stand out:

Virtual Reality (VR) technology is rapidly transforming various sectors, including entertainment, healthcare, education, and business. As VR becomes more integrated into daily life, it raises complex legal questions that intersect with state, federal, and international law. This article explores the current legal landscape governing VR, focusing on key issues such as privacy, intellectual property, data security, and user safety.

State Laws and Virtual Reality

State laws play a crucial role in regulating the aspects of VR particularly regarding privacy and data protection. Although no state has yet enacted laws specific to VR, several existing statutes are highly relevant:

The landscape of internet technology and cybersecurity has been significantly shaped by a series of high-profile class action lawsuits. These lawsuits typically arise from data breaches, where large amounts of personal information are compromised due to insufficient cybersecurity measures by companies. Below, we explore some notable cases and their implications for consumers and corporations.

AT&T Data Breach (2024)

One of the most significant cybersecurity class action lawsuits in 2024 involves AT&T. In March 2024, AT&T announced a data breach that exposed the personal information of approximately 73 million current and former customers. The compromised data included full names, addresses, dates of birth, phone numbers, Social Security numbers, and account details.

Unlawful or illegal cell phone tracking can have serious legal consequences and ramifications. The exact nature of these consequences can vary based on the jurisdiction, the specifics of the tracking, and the laws that were violated. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Violations of Federal Laws

In the United States, several federal laws address the unauthorized tracking of cell phones:

Cell phone tracking has become a powerful tool for law enforcement and private entities alike. However, its use raises significant privacy concerns and legal challenges. Central to these discussions is the Tracking Device Statute under the Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA). This article explores key legal cases involving cell phone tracking and the implications of the Tracking Device Statute.

Understanding the Tracking Device Statute

Enacted as part of the ECPA in 1986, the Tracking Device Statute (18 U.S.C. § 3117) regulates the use of electronic or mechanical devices to monitor individuals’ movements. The statute mandates that law enforcement obtain a warrant based on probable cause before using tracking devices. This requirement ensures judicial oversight and aims to protect individuals’ Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable searches and seizures.