The US Patent and Trademark Office published, on May 29, 2014, a patent application submitted by inventors from Facebook directed to a method for managing the accessibility of a social network based on the age of its users. In referencing the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) directly, Facebook’s patent application suggests that Facebook may … Continue reading
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Build-A-Bear website, social media and COPPA
Many brand owners use their websites to promote their goods and services, as well as to promote their brands. Brand owners also frequently use social media to promote their brands. Indeed, it’s common for a website to include links to social media platforms such as Twitter and Pinterest. But if your site is directed to children, … Continue reading
Glossary of US Laws
The following non-exhaustive list of state, federal, and foreign statutes may apply to social media issues. Anti-SLAPP (U.S. state law) – provides protection against Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (“SLAPP”). See our posts on anti-SLAPP. Americans With Disabilities Act (“ADA”) – U.S. federal law that prohibits discrimination based on disability. See our posts on ADA. Canada’s Anti-Spam … Continue reading
Snapchat and Maryland Attorney General
We had previously written about the U.S. Federal Trade Commission’s proposed complaint and consent with mobile messaging service Snapchat, best known for promoting its “ephemeral” photo messaging site. The FTC alleged the Snapchat violated the Federal Trade Commission Act through six false or deceptive acts or practices, including Snapchat’s claim that messages can “disappear forever.” … Continue reading
Online abuse
We have previously written about the difficulties that businesses can encounter when trying to get a posting removed from a social media site. We have also previously covered several matters relating to the special online protections legislators have created for children (e.g., COPPA). These two areas combined in a local law passed by Albany, New York … Continue reading
Social Media Service, Minors, and Photos
On July 10, 2013, U.S. Representative John Duncan (R-Tenn.) and co-sponsor Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) introduced H.R. 2645, the “Forbidding Advertisement Through Child Exploitation Act of 2013.” The stated purpose of this short bill is to “prohibit providers of social media services from using self-images uploaded by minors for commercial purposes.” Under the bill, a “social … Continue reading