Are We In For a “Cloudy” Day When It Comes To Data Privacy?

The CLOUD Act was just approved in both the House and Senate. Using the CLOUD Act, U.S. law enforcement officials at any level, from local police to federal agents, can force tech companies to turn over user data regardless of where the company stores the data. Specifically, it involves data stored in foreign jurisdictions. The U.S. can enter into bilateral information sharing agreements with foreign countries that would give both parties access to data stored within their borders. Some believe this act would have adverse effects to pending litigation as well as the future of our privacy. … Read More Are We In For a “Cloudy” Day When It Comes To Data Privacy?

Modern Day 911 Calls: The Legal Implications of Using Uber in Place of an Ambulance

The ever-popular ride sharing apps such as Uber and Lyft are beginning to be used for a new purpose: trips to the emergency room. Instead of calling 911, individuals in need of emergency care are hailing Uber or Lyft to rush them to the hospital, rather than ambulances. However, experts believe this use of technology puts drivers and the ride sharing companies at risk for assuming unbeknownst legal liabilities. … Read More Modern Day 911 Calls: The Legal Implications of Using Uber in Place of an Ambulance

Should CFIUS Investigate Broadcom’s Hostile Takeover of Qualcomm?

Broadcom attempted a hostile takeover of Qualcomm. On a March 6th shareholder vote, Broadcom will attempt to implement 6 board members on Qualcomm’s board of directors, which would then allow Broadcom to have a majority vote to allow their acquisition of Qualcomm to move forward. Should CFIUS investigate initiate an investigation of this hostile takeover? … Read More Should CFIUS Investigate Broadcom’s Hostile Takeover of Qualcomm?

STRIKING OUT – YOUTUBE’S SWING-AND-MISS COPYRIGHT ID SYSTEM

Faced with the dilemma of keeping their website free from unlawful activity, YouTube’s Content ID system works to keep copyright infringement at bay. Unfortunately, the automated system leaves small content creators voiceless at the whim of copyright claims from corporate entities. Is there a realistic solution for Youtube?… Read More STRIKING OUT – YOUTUBE’S SWING-AND-MISS COPYRIGHT ID SYSTEM

Inexperienced Investors and Unregulated Markets: The Truth Behind Bitcoin Market Scams

As more and more people find themselves falling for the hype of Bitcoin, Internet chatroom users are taking advantage of inexperienced investors by spreading false news in order to make quick money through a pump-and-dump scheme. Scammers are able to engage in conduct that would typically be considered illegal, but can get away with the fraud because there are no active regulations regarding virtual currency. … Read More Inexperienced Investors and Unregulated Markets: The Truth Behind Bitcoin Market Scams

Social Media: Once A Seclusion Device To A Tool For Social and Legislative Change

This blog is about the use of social media platforms to spread information and
invoke change. Knowledge is power, and when people have the correct information, they
feel a part of something bigger than themselves, and often will want to become actively
involved. I address the power of Snap Chat among our youth; specifically the recent
Stoneman school shooting, where students were videoing the horrific event and posting it
to Snap Chat. I also address the power of Facebook videos, again staying with the
Stoneman school shooting, to highlight the influential videos from the students and
faculty after the event and their call for legislative change. It seems as if the news has lost
its prestige in the last few years, and a message from real human beings who were there
has become more powerful and moving than reports from newscasters. Which is why I
believe we’re seeing more social change, because people are being touched with real
human experience through a digital screen.
Read More Social Media: Once A Seclusion Device To A Tool For Social and Legislative Change

Am I Being Replaced by a Robot?

With technological advances come some repercussions. The fact that technological advances makes most people’s lives easier is a proven fact, however, not everyone’s lives are getting easier after technological breakthroughs. People whose jobs are being automatized are not pleased with the outcome of the technological advances. Cashiers at supermarkets, automotive factory workers and the like have families too. Their lives have become much harder after the implementation of new technology in the workplace. … Read More Am I Being Replaced by a Robot?

Smoking Stigma: How E-Cigarettes Perpetuate Stigma About Smoking in the Law

Electronic-Cigarettes, E-Cigarettes, Hookah Pens, Vaporizers, “Vapes” – whatever you choose to call it – are the devices that are taking the smoking industry by storm, and are estimated to have topped $10 billion in sales in 2017. Vapes are devices that heat liquid to a boiling temperature where the liquid becomes a vapor, and the vapor is then inhaled by the smoker. Vapes are excessively poplar in the younger generation, but they have also exploded (no pun intended) in the marijuana industry. Regulations thus far have been implemented among the fifty states, but the effects that these products have on the country in general are still yet to come to complete fruition.… Read More Smoking Stigma: How E-Cigarettes Perpetuate Stigma About Smoking in the Law

Taylor Swift “Shakes It Off” When It Comes to Copyright Infringement

Taylor Swift’s 2014 hit song “Shake It Off” is the subject of recent intellectual property copyright infringement litigation in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. Two songwriters of 3LW’s 2001 song, “Playas Gon’ Play,” filed suit against Taylor Swift over lyrics in her “Shake It Off” hit claiming the lyrics used by Swift include phrases from their 3LW track that are entitled to copyright protection. The district court judge has dismissed the case against Swift ruling 3LW’s lyrics are not entitled to copyright protection, and counsel representing the 3LW songwriters intend to appeal to the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. … Read More Taylor Swift “Shakes It Off” When It Comes to Copyright Infringement

America’s Pioneer Spirit: Asteroid Mining

Asteroids contain valuable resources such as rare earth minerals, metals, elements, and frozen water. The exploitation of space resources by private companies may be in contravention of international law, but the passing of recent national legislation along with a number of companies developing the technology to mine asteroids, may have successfully set the stage for the development of a new trillion dollar industry.

Read More America’s Pioneer Spirit: Asteroid Mining

@realDonaldTrump Blocked You

President Trump has blocked users from following his personal Twitter account. These blocked users are challenging the legality of this action by arguing for the application of an established first amendment doctrine to a new digital context: social media, specifically Twitter. The outcome of this litigation could have an impact on how public officials use social media in the future. … Read More @realDonaldTrump Blocked You

The iPhone Slowdown: If You Had The Option To Replace Your Older iPhone’s Battery Or Purchase A New iPhone, Which Would You Choose?

This blog addresses the Apple iPhone slowdown and the multiple class action suits filed against Apple for fraud and misrepresentation. It explains the issue with the older iPhones, why Apple has been slowing down phones, and their attempt to reconcile with Apple consumers after their deceit.… Read More The iPhone Slowdown: If You Had The Option To Replace Your Older iPhone’s Battery Or Purchase A New iPhone, Which Would You Choose?

#4urEyesOnly: How ‘Revenge Porn’ Violates Consent Laws To Constitute The Most Public Form Of Domestic Violence

The opportunity for rapid humiliation using “revenge porn” has reached an all time high. Many victims of revenge porn have lost their jobs and found themselves effectively unhirable. Now social media sites, Internet service providers, and governments are all stepping in to stop and criminalize the act of disseminating nonconsensual pornography.

Read More #4urEyesOnly: How ‘Revenge Porn’ Violates Consent Laws To Constitute The Most Public Form Of Domestic Violence

Be Careful of Your Swipes, You May Not Be the Only One Watching You Swipe

Tinder’s decision not to use the security feature, HTTPS, may allow hackers and random individuals see your potential matches. Additionally, hackers may be able to inject images or malicious content into a user’s app feed in which other users may be able to see. Why would a dating app, such as Tinder, not act in the first place to securely encrypt a user’s information to protect his or her privacy?… Read More Be Careful of Your Swipes, You May Not Be the Only One Watching You Swipe