Topic: Security

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UK proposes rules to protect against anonymous online trolls

Photo of Kerri Gevers (SG)By Kerri Gevers (SG) on Posted in Privacy, Security, Social media policies
The UK Government has added two new duties to the proposed Online Safety Bill (the Bill) that are aimed at protecting people against anonymous online abuse. These measures would give users of “main social media firms” more control over who can interact with them and the type of content users see (see the Government’s press … Continue reading

Online security breaches — A growing threat in the digital era

Photo of Daniel Daniele (CA)By Daniel Daniele (CA) on Posted in Security
One of the emerging threats in the digital era is online security breaches. Today, millions of people use social media platforms to post information about their lives online. In doing so, they often provide sensitive personal information to various platforms, including credit card information, personal preferences, and other information that is otherwise protected by various … Continue reading

U.S. Department of Homeland Security to collect immigrants’ social media data

Photo of Caleb Segrest (US)By Caleb Segrest (US) on Posted in Security
The United States Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) published, on September 18, 2017, in the Federal Register, a notice that it would begin collecting certain information relating to immigrants’ use of social media as part of the National File Tracking System of Records. Since 1944, so-called Alien Files have been the official record system of … Continue reading

Social engineering fraud

Photo of Erik Janitens (US)By Erik Janitens (US) on Posted in Security
What is social engineering fraud? Social engineering fraud is defined as the art of influencing people to disclose sensitive information or granting the fraudster unauthorized access. As opposed to exploiting a secure computer system to access information, criminals are now exploiting a person’s trust through avenues such as email, social media, and mobile apps. While … Continue reading

We’re back, with our top five social media stories of 2015

Photo of Susan Ross (US)Photo of Nerushka BowanPhoto of Mayura Noordyke (US)Photo of Karen Sie (CA)By Susan Ross (US), Nerushka Bowan, Mayura Noordyke (US) and Karen Sie (CA) on Posted in Copyright, Defamation, Employment and labor, Fraud, General, Privacy, Security
The Social Media Law Bulletin is back! The ongoing interest of our readers as well as the increasing impact of social media led us to re-launch the Social Media Law Bulletin. We will be bringing you coverage of one or two items approximately each week, but in the meantime, we thought we would give you … Continue reading

Snapchat and Maryland Attorney General

Photo of Susan Ross (US)By Susan Ross (US) on Posted in Privacy, Security, Social media policies
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

Do you “like” it?

Photo of Daniel Daniele (CA)By Daniel Daniele (CA) on Posted in Security, Social media policies
From clicking “like” on Facebook to the +1 button on Google+ to the “Follow” or “Retweet” buttons on Twitter, the use of endorsements in social media has exploded since 2009. “Like” buttons and retweeting are growing trends in social media.  While the use of third-party endorsement type functionality in social media has obvious benefits in … Continue reading

Social media: did you know?

Photo of Nerushka BowanBy Nerushka Bowan on Posted in Privacy, Security, Social media policies
How many of us actually read social media terms of use? Be wary: you allow public information to be accessible over public search engines. When you tweet you: grant Twitter a licence to use, copy, reproduce, process, adapt, modify, publish, transmit, display and distribute content in any manner or method. Twitter may sublicense these rights … Continue reading

Minors’ credit card purchases

Photo of Susan Ross (US)By Susan Ross (US) on Posted in Litigation, Privacy, Security
If your social media page permits a user to purchase goods or services from you, a December 20, 2013 ruling from the Northern District of California may be of interest. The case involves minors using their parents’ credit cards without authorization (in 2011) in order to purchase several hundred dollars’ worth of Facebook Credits.I.B. v. … Continue reading

Corporate Governance: Cyber Security Issues (Part II)

Photo of Jay Greathouse (US)By Jay Greathouse (US) on Posted in Security, Social media policies
There are three distinct aspects of cyber-security that should be addressed by directors: prevention, detection and, if a company is publicly traded, disclosure to the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Part I of our posting addressed prevention and detection matters. This Part II addresses disclosures and some questions to consider. Disclosure Public disclosure of a security … Continue reading

Corporate Governance: Cyber Security Issues (Part I)

Photo of Jay Greathouse (US)By Jay Greathouse (US) on Posted in Security, Social media policies
The use of cloud computing, mobile devices and social media add significant corporate risks beyond the traditional security risks arising from networks, databases and e-mail.  A cyber security breach can cause serious operational disruptions, create financial costs and damage a company’s brand and reputation.  As part of risk management, a company’s board of directors should … Continue reading

Social Media Service, Minors, and Photos

Photo of Susan Ross (US)By Susan Ross (US) on Posted in COPPA, Privacy, Security
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

Passwords & Social Media

Photo of Seth Jaffe (US)By Seth Jaffe (US) on Posted in Security
An employee’s personal social media page may offer prospective hackers a backdoor into company protected information. Many companies are moving towards lengthy and complex passwords, which has placed additional strain on password recovery procedures. Many of these “forgot password” security procedures ask for pseudo personal information such as a user’s high school mascot or mother’s … Continue reading
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