Welcome to Socially Aware

Socially Aware is devoted to the law and business of social media, proactively addressing emerging issues and keeping our clients informed of new developments. We cover fields such as artificial intelligence, privacy and data security, Section 230, intellectual property, and much more.

July 15, 2014 - Copyright, UK High Court
Copyright: Europe Explores its Boundaries Part 3: “Meltwater” – EU rules that browsing does not need a licence – a victory for common sense (or for pirates)?
On 5 June 2014 the European Court of Justice (CJEU) published its decision in the “Meltwater” Case C-360/13, ( Public Relations Consultations Association Ltd (PRCA) v Newspaper Licensing Agency Ltd (NLA) and Others ). In a ruling that some have hailed as a victory
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July 11, 2014 - Cloud Computing
EU Cloud Standardisation Guidelines
By: Alistair Maughan
In November 2012, we wrote an Alert about the European Commission’s Communication on Cloud Computing intended, it said, to “… unleash the potential of cloud computing in Europe ”. Sceptics were doubtful that the cloud industry needed much help from European regulators to thrive.
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June 30, 2014 - SEC
Social Media and Proxy Contests
As the use of social media continues to grow, social media is likely to play an increasingly more prominent role in proxy contests. In this context, the recent Compliance and Disclosure Interpretations issued by the SEC’s Division of Corporation Finance provide helpful clarifications on
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June 27, 2014 - Privacy, Wearable Computers
Google Glass Into Europe – A Small Step or a Giant Leap?
Google Glass (“Glass”) is the most high profile of the new wearable technologies that commentators predict will transform how we live and work. Until now, the Android-powered glasses were only available in the U.S. However, as of this week, Glass has been launched in
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June 25, 2014 - Copyright, IP, Litigation, Supreme Court
Supreme Court Stifles Aereo, but Tries to Keep the Cloud Away
In a closely watched case, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled today in a 6-3 decision that Aereo’s Internet streaming service engages in unauthorized public performances of broadcast television programs in violation of the Copyright Act, reversing the Second Circuit’s decision in American Broadcasting Companies,
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June 24, 2014 - DMCA, Copyright, Litigation
Court Holds That DMCA Safe Harbor Does Not Extend to Infringement Prior to Designation of Agent
By: Aaron P. Rubin
The safe harbor provisions in § 512(c) of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) provide a mechanism that insulates online service providers from monetary damages for infringing materials posted or stored by their users. To receive this protection, service providers must designate an agent
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June 17, 2014 - Financial Institutions
Bitcoins, Big Headaches? Hazards Abound for Companies Seeking to Accept Bitcoin
From our sister blog, MoFo Tech : The Bitcoin “Cryptocurrency” has gained momentum in the market, and some businesses, including Overstock. com and TigerDirect.com, now accept bitcoins as payment. Many others are wondering if Bitcoin is a good fit for them—and they should factor
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June 13, 2014 - Privacy
“Do You Want to Know a Secret?” The Risks Posed by Anonymous Social Apps
First we had social media platforms, but recently a variety of “anti-social” media platforms have emerged—well, anti-social in a sense. For years, social media platforms have encouraged (or even, in some cases, required) us to use our real identities, with the aim of building
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June 08, 2014 - Litigation
Websites Hit With Demand Letters on Accessibility Issues Despite Courts’ Rejection of Claim
In recent weeks, numerous businesses have received letters asserting that their websites are not accessible to persons with disabilities, in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act and California’s Unruh Act. These letters threaten litigation and warn of large penalty claims under the Unruh
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June 03, 2014 - News and Announcements
Join the Socially Aware Team
By: Aaron P. Rubin
Are you a JD who is tuned into and excited about the legal landscape of social media? Ready for the opportunity to write full time? Morrison & Foerster’s Technology Transactions group in New York is recruiting for a Business Development Writer to craft articles,
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