Two more states have enacted consumer privacy protection laws, with Oregon and Delaware joining the existing fray of state comprehensive consumer privacy laws in California, Colorado, Virginia, Utah, Connecticut, Iowa, Indiana, Montana, Tennessee, Florida, and Texas. For a useful chart detailing the applicability, effective dates, and exemptions of all of the state laws enacted thus
online privacy
The European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Is Coming: What Does It Mean For U.S. Businesses?

With the May 25, 2018 deadline quickly approaching, many businesses are scrambling to prepare for compliance with the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and questions and conversations are heating up. Still others are still trying to wrap their arms around what GDPR is and what it means for U.S. businesses. For those of you…

FTC Seeks Public Comment on Sears’ Petition to Modify Order Regarding Software Tracking Application

The FTC is seeking public comment on a petition by Sear’s to reopen and modify its 2009 consent order to restrict the broad definition of “tracking application”.
Background. In 2009, the FTC issued an order settling charges that Sears Holdings Management Corporation (“Sears”) had failed to adequately disclose the scope of consumers’ personal information…

Could Your Website Be Collecting Information from Kids? Federal Trade Commission Issues 6-Step Plan for Complying with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act
This month, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued guidance for businesses operating websites and online services looking to comply with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (“COPPA”). COPPA addresses the collection of personal information from children under 13. Importantly, the determination of whether a business’s website is “directed to children under 13” (and thus subject…
FTC and FCC Chairmen Issue Joint Statement on FCC’s Stay of Broadband Privacy
Today, acting FTC Chairman Maureen K. Ohlhausen and FCC Chairman Ajit Pai issued a joint statement on the FCC’s issuance of a temporary stay of a data security regulation for broadband providers scheduled to take effect on March 2. In their statement, they advocate for a “comprehensive and consistent framework”, so that Americans do not…