Fingerprints. Retinas. Facial symmetry itself. We frequently address the problems raised as new technology brings new privacy concerns for customers and businesses alike. In “Check Your Policies for Privacy Claim Coverage: New York City’s New Biometrics Law Is Now in Effect,” Sandra Kaczmarczyk examines New York City’s recent statute that…
Articles Posted by Pillsbury's Internet & Social Media Team
Insurance Options for NFT Owners
Here at Internet & Social Media Law, we examine new developments and challenges that impact the digital and social media landscape. Over on our Policyholder Pulse insurance law blog, we provide insight on non-fungible tokens (“NFTs”) and the importance of knowing the available insurance options when dealing with them. As…
Biometrics Identifiers, BIPA and the Illinois Supreme Court
As the use of biometric information such as fingerprints, iris scans, facial scans, and voice prints becomes more and more common, so, too, have the number of lawsuits brought for the unauthorized use of private information and for the violation of privacy laws—including class action lawsuits. In “The Duty to…
For Smart Home Technology, Contract Is Key
In our previous post we discussed the importance of conducting a thorough due diligence and procurement process with smart technology providers. Next up? The contract. The price of a procured product is always important, but equally important are other contractual terms that reflect the commercial agreement. Ultimately, the contract should…
The FTC Urges Companies to Confront Potential AI Bias … or Else
It might be a little meta to have a blog post about a blog post, but there’s no way around it when the FTC publishes a post to its blog warning companies that use AI to “[h]old yourself accountable—or be ready for the FTC to do it for you.” When…
Google v. Oracle, Fair Use and the Decreasing Value of Code Over Time
Earlier this month, in what many consider the copyright case of the decade, the Supreme Court released its much-anticipated decision in Google v. Oracle. In it, the Court ruled that Google’s copying of 11,500 lines of declaring code from Java SE for use in Google’s Android platform, was fair use.…
A Short History of the Fair Use Defense in the Software Industry
Last month, the Supreme Court released its much-anticipated decision in Google v. Oracle. The Court ruled that Google’s copying of 11,500 lines of declaring code from Java SE, for use in Google’s Android platform, was fair use. While we examine the Supreme Court’s decision in another post, let’s first take…
Playboy, NFTs and Monetizing a Traditional Media Portfolio
Just as video killed the radio star, so did the digital transformation kill (or at least convert) traditional media. While “going digital” became the bane of many traditional media companies that struggled to make the leap to an online world, NFTs may be the digital savior that some of these…
With Facial Recognition, Responsible Users Are the Key to Effective AI
As part of our on-going coverage on the use and potential abuse of facial recognition AI, we bring you news out of Michigan, where the University of Michigan’s Law School, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the ACLU of Michigan have filed a lawsuit against the Detroit Police Department…
False Advertising, Trademark Infringement and TOS: Three Common Hashtagging Mistakes for Companies to Avoid
When the first social media hashtag was used in 2007, users had no idea how ubiquitous hashtags would become. Today, hashtags are an essential part of our lives (and a subject we’ve been writing about for years). From marketing a business to garnering support for a cause, hashtags have become…