The Federal Trade Commission fined an online data broker who allegedly sold consumer reports containing internet and social media data in the context of employment screenings without adhering to the Fair Credit Reporting Act’s consumer protections. By Alice Cheng Data broker Spokeo recently agreed to pay $800,000 to settle Federal Trade Commission (FTC) charges in what…
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FCC Seeks Comments about Privacy and Security of Information on Mobile Communication Devices
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is seeking for public comment on the privacy and security of personal information on mobile devices. By Alice Cheng The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently released a request for public comment on the privacy and security of personal information on mobile devices. The Commission, which regulates interstate and international radio, television,…
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Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)
Websites that collect information from children under the age of thirteen are required to comply with Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is generally responsible for ensuring compliance with COPPA. By Alice Cheng Earlier this year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a staff report on the growing market for mobile apps…
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No Expectation of Privacy in Cell Phone Numbers
A New Jersey appeals court recently ruled that a criminal suspect has no reasonable expectation of privacy in his cell phone number. By Alice Cheng In State v. DeFranco, the defendant schoolteacher was charged with sexual assault of a former student. Defendant filed a motion to suppress evidence of a telephone conversation with the victim,…
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