While California was the first state to implement a comprehensive consumer privacy rights law and the first to bring an enforcement action for violations, Texas is quickly becoming the next privacy regulator to watch. The Texas Privacy and Data Security Act (TPDSA) became effective in July 2024, and the Texas Securing Children Online through Parental
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TikTok’s Legal Woes from State AGs Continues
By Linn Foster Freedman on
Posted in Enforcement + Litigation
Last week, we outlined the lawsuits against TikTok by New York, California, and North Carolina, that followed in the footsteps of Nebraska, Nevada (which filed suit against TikTok in February of 2024), and Indiana, which filed suit against TikTok in 2022. Since last week, at least 11 more states have joined the fray, including…
Senators Demand Documentation from TikTok
By Linn Foster Freedman on
Posted in Data Privacy
On October 11, 2024, following the filing of a lawsuit against TikTok by the Kentucky Attorney General, Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), who authored the bipartisan “Kids Online Safety Act,” requested that TikTok CEO Shou Chew provide all “documents, communications, and research held by TikTok regarding the safety of minors on…
The Push for Warning Labels on Social Media Platforms, States Attorneys General Urge Lawmakers to Take Action
By Kathryn Rattigan on
Posted in Data Privacy, Uncategorized
Should kids be on social media? At what age? Should parents monitor their conversations on those platforms? Do parental controls work? These are questions facing many parents and guardians, especially with the increasing use of social media platforms by kids and teens. The Pew Research Center reported that 58% of teens are daily users of…
Privacy Tip #412 – Beware of Spamouflage
By Linn Foster Freedman on
Posted in Privacy Tips
A new report by Graphika, as reported by Cyberscoop, has identified a Chinese-linked group that is “creating American personas online and spreading content designed to denigrate both parties and candidates.”
The disinformation group, known as Dragonbridge, Taizi Flood, and Empire Dragon, “produces high-volumes of spammy, inauthentic content online in an effort to influence political and…
Details of State of Nebraska and DOJ Complaints Against TikTok
By Linn Foster Freedman on
Posted in Cybersecurity
We have previously outlined the risks of using TikTok, the federal and state governments’ ban on it, and the national security risks it presents.
In doing so, we primarily focused on data privacy and security threats to TikTok users. Recently, Nebraska and the U.S. Department of Justice each sued TikTok directly for different allegations…
Privacy Tip #410 – Parents: Take a Hard Look at Nebraska’s Complaint Against TikTok
By Linn Foster Freedman on
Posted in Privacy Tips
Nebraska recently filed suit against TikTok, and the details of the harms associated with using TikTok by children are outlined in the complaint. Although the complaint seeks redress only for Nebraskans, the allegations are relevant to parents in all states.
We expect our state and federal governments to make laws that protect children from…
Privacy Tip #403 – GenAI Tools Use Banned by US House
By Sarah Mahon & Linn Foster Freedman on
Posted in Privacy Tips
I always watch what the federal government requires of its employees’ use of technology to get a feel for risks and what is coming down the pike from a regulatory standpoint—this has been going on for years. That’s why I was one of the first to get a cover for my laptop camera, why I…
Privacy Tip #401 – Cyberattack Against TikTok Targeted Brands and Celebrities
By Linn Foster Freedman on
Posted in Privacy Tips
TikTok has reported that it is responding to a cyber attack targeting a limited number of known brands and celebrity accounts. The BBC has identified that Paris Hilton’s account as being targeted, but TikTok says it was not compromised.
The BBC identified CNN as a victim whose account was successfully attacked. TikTok is working with…
Privacy Tip #399 – Nebraska AG Sues TikTok for Violations of Consumer Protection Laws
By Linn Foster Freedman on
Posted in Privacy Tips
To add to TikTok’s legal woes in the U.S., Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers (AG) filed suit against TikTok on May 22, 2024, alleging that TikTok violated Nebraska’s consumer protection laws and engaged in deceptive trade practices by “designing and operating a platform that is addictive and harmful to teens and children.” In addition, the…