Privacy Law

Supreme Court strikes down exception to a ban on robocalls, citing First Amendment concerns

The U.S. Supreme Court has struck down an exception to a federal ban on robocalls because it impermissibly favors one type of speech over others.

Jul 6, 2020 12:32 PM CDT

Afternoon Briefs: Oklahoma top court won’t block Trump rally; cop union loses bid to destroy records

Oklahoma’s top court refuses to block Trump rally The Oklahoma Supreme Court refused to block a campaign rally Friday for President Donald Trump that is scheduled for Saturday in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The plaintiffs had argued that the indoor event should be stopped to protect against the COVID-19 risk. (The Oklahoman)…

Jun 19, 2020 3:25 PM CDT

Afternoon Briefs: AG Barr sees lack of confidence in justice system; will students reconsider law school?

AG Barr says ‘witches’ brew’ of extremist groups caused violence U.S. Attorney General William Barr said at a press conference Thursday that many African Americans lack confidence in the American criminal justice system, and that needs to change. Barr said most protesters were peaceful, but there is a “witches’ brew”…

Jun 4, 2020 3:38 PM CDT

Nearly 300 federal suits stem from pandemic; 101 ‘business interruption’ cases filed; what’s next?

Nearly 300 federal lawsuits filed in the months of March and April stem from the COVID-19 pandemic, a number that is likely to continue to expand.

May 28, 2020 2:57 PM CDT

Privacy and accuracy concerns about remote temperature screening raised by ACLU

Devices designed to measure a person’s temperature from afar have been touted as a way to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus. But the claims may be unrealistic, according to the American Civil Liberties Union.

May 20, 2020 1:01 PM CDT

Afternoon Briefs: Over 2,100 ex-prosecutors call for AG Barr’s resignation; ‘patient zero’ lawyer tells his story

AG Barr should resign, say former DOJ officials U.S. Attorney General William Barr should resign, according to an open letter signed by more than 2,100 former Justice Department officials. The letter criticizes the decision to drop false statements charges against former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn. Also criticizing Barr is…

May 12, 2020 3:35 PM CDT

Contact-tracing apps could help contain COVID-19 but raise thorny legal and privacy issues

Contract-tracing apps have been proposed as one of the tools to help combat the spread of COVID-19. But some are concerned the apps could violate privacy rights and civil liberties; criminals and foreign adversaries could use them to harvest data; and the technology might linger long after the pandemic is over.

Apr 23, 2020 8:00 AM CDT

Afternoon Briefs: Congress asked for COVID-19 lawsuit curbs; law school cuts pay for staff and faculty

Lobbyists seek COVID-19 lawsuit curbs Lobbying groups for U.S. businesses are asking Congress to curb liability for companies that could face lawsuits in connection with COVID-19. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is suggesting safe harbor from privacy laws for employers who inquire about health status, safe harbor from age and…

Apr 21, 2020 4:09 PM CDT

Pandemic power plays: Civil liberties in the time of COVID-19

The power to respond to a public health crisis exists in the U.S. Constitution, state constitutions, regulations and case law. But the way they fit together is not always clear, especially in the wake of a modern-day global crisis.

Apr 21, 2020 8:00 AM CDT

Afternoon Briefs: Sick lawyer is back at work after speakerphone mistrial; judge tosses Twitter suit

Lawyer who tried to question witness by speakerphone recovers from COVID-19 An ill lawyer who tried to continue with a trial via a courthouse speakerphone, despite a fever and cough, has fully recovered and is working from home. New York lawyer Donald Vogelman told the ABA Journal that the March…

Apr 20, 2020 3:51 PM CDT

SCOTUS will decide whether computer fraud law applies to cop’s unauthorized database search

The U.S. Supreme Court agreed Monday to decide whether the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act applies to a police officer’s unauthorized search of a license place database.

Apr 20, 2020 12:55 PM CDT

Another lawsuit is filed against Zoom over alleged privacy problems

Zoom Video Communications has been hit with a new privacy lawsuit alleging that it failed to protect user data from Facebook and LinkedIn.

Apr 14, 2020 10:04 AM CDT

Afternoon Briefs: Judge orders Michael Avenatti’s release; ATL founder David Lat stresses importance of ventilators

Judge orders release of Michael Avenatti because of COVID-19 outbreak Michael Avenatti, the former lawyer of adult film actress Stormy Daniels, will be released from jail for 90 days because of the COVID-19 outbreak. U.S. District Judge James Selna ordered the lawyer’s release $1 million bond Friday. Avenatti has been…

Apr 13, 2020 2:57 PM CDT

SCOTUS rules traffic stop justified after check showed truck owner had revoked license

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Monday that an officer had reasonable suspicion to make a traffic stop after a registration check showed the owner had a revoked driver’s license.

Apr 6, 2020 10:23 AM CDT

Afternoon Briefs: Seyfarth withdraws after controversial filing; law firm scammer seeks release

Seyfarth Shaw withdraws from suit after controversial argument Seyfarth Shaw is seeking to withdraw from representing the U.S. Soccer Federation in an equal-pay case after a controversial court filing. The law firm had argued players on the U.S. Women’s National Team had less “skill” than male players. The argument has…

Apr 2, 2020 5:01 PM CDT