Socially Aware

March 28, 2017 - Blockchain
Delaware Paves the Way for Blockchain Technology
By: Spencer D. Klein
Blockchain has been a hot buzzword in tech circles for some time, and, increasingly, we’re seeing companies—even Fortune 500 companies—announce blockchain-related initiatives. One particular area of interest to corporations is the use of blockchain not for Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies, but for the creation
... ›
March 28, 2017 - Trademark, Copyright, IP, Litigation
Supreme Court Rules Cheerleading Uniform Designs Are Copyrightable
On March 22, 2017, the Supreme Court held in Star Athletica, LLC v. Varsity Brands that design elements of cheerleading uniforms may be protected under the Copyright Act. The 6-2 decision, written by Justice Thomas, clarified the scope of protection afforded to clothing designs
... ›
March 17, 2017 - Data Security, Compliance
Overview of Emerging Cybersecurity Issues
In the most recent edition of his CyberSide Chat series, Socially Aware contributor Andy Serwin discusses emerging cybersecurity issues including: The need to strike a balance between the efficiencies of the Internet of Things and the increased cyberattack vulnerability that usually goes along with
... ›
March 08, 2017 - Event
Join us at SXSW Interactive 2017!
Socially Aware editors John Delaney and Aaron Rubin will be in Austin, Texas for SXSW Interactive from March 10th to March 15th. They plan to “live tweet” a number of the presentations via our @MoFoSocMedia Twitter account. If you will be in Austin for SXSW
... ›
March 07, 2017 - Internet of Things, Data Security, Privacy
Watch Out: The Federal Trade Commission Continues to Watch the (Alleged) Watchers
By: Julie O'Neill
If your company collects information regarding consumers though Internet-connected devices, you will want to take note of the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) recent privacy-related settlement (brought in conjunction with the New Jersey Attorney General) with smart TV manufacturer Vizio, Inc. The settlement is significant
... ›
March 07, 2017 - First Amendment, Cyberbullying, Marketing, Right To Be Forgotten, Ethics, Free Speech
Social Links: YouTube reaches major milestone; Google tries to ferret out hate speech; justices consider constitutionality of barring social media access
By: Aaron P. Rubin
Google unveiled a new tool designed to combat toxic speech online by assessing the language commenters use, as opposed to the ideas they express. Is a state law banning sex offenders from social media unconstitutional? Based on their comments during oral arguments in Packingham
... ›
February 24, 2017 - Cyberbullying, Ethics, Wearable Computers
Social Links: Google Maps gets social; Twitter puts trolls in time out; today’s teens take to chat rooms
By: Aaron P. Rubin
New York City’s Conflicts of Interest Board has issued guidelines prohibiting elected officials from using official social media accounts for political purposes or having their staff draft content for their personal social media accounts. Congress has begun paving the way for the deployment of
... ›
February 23, 2017 - Data Security, Privacy, Stored Communications Act
Google Ordered to Comply with Warrant for Foreign-Stored User Data
In a major development for cloud and other data storage providers, and further complicating the legal landscape for the cross-border handling of data, a Federal Magistrate Judge in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania ruled for the Department of Justice and ordered Google, Inc., to
... ›
February 16, 2017 - European Union, Privacy
The Hague District Court’s WhatsApp Decision Creates Concerns for Mobile App Developers
By: Alex van der Wolk
Can the mere offering of a mobile app subject the provider of such app to the privacy laws of countries in the European Union (EU)—even if the provider does not have any establishments or presence in the EU? The answer from the District Court
... ›
February 14, 2017 - FTC, Marketing
FTC Report Reinforces the Rules for Cross-Device Tracking
By: Julie O'Neill
Well over a year after holding a workshop addressing privacy issues associated with cross-device tracking, Federal Trade Commission (FTC) staff have issued a report. The report sets the stage by describing how cross-device tracking works, noting its “benefits and challenges,” and reviewing (and largely
... ›