On Wednesday, December 4, 2013, the HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) issued a report raising concerns about the adequacy of the HHS Office for Civil Rights’ (OCR) oversight and enforcement of HIPAA’s Security Rule. The Security Rule establishes the administrative, physical, and technical safeguards that covered entities and their business associates are required to implement […]
FTC Settles with Flashlight App Developer Over Charges It Transmitted Geolocation Data Without Consumers’ Knowledge
The creator of the popular “Brightest Flashlight Free” Android app has agreed to settle with the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) over charges that the app deceived consumers regarding the collection of geolocation information that was shared with third parties. The app, created by Goldenshores Technologies, LLC, (“Goldenshores”) turns a mobile device into a flashlight by […]
New Malaysian Data Privacy Law
After enactment in 2010, Malaysia’s Personal Data Protection Act, and implementing regulations, finally went into effect on November 15, 2013. The law applies to the processing of “personal data” by entities operating in Malaysia but generally does not apply to data processed entirely outside of Malaysia.[1] Additionally, official registration requirements will extend to many classes […]
FTC Announces 2014 Spring Seminars Disclosing Future Regulatory Focus
Yesterday, the Federal Trade Commission announced three main topics that will be the focus of its Spring 2014 privacy seminars. The areas to be examined are: (1) Mobile Device Tracking; (2) Alternative Scoring Products; and (3) Consumer Generated and Controlled Health Data. The Mobile Device Tracking seminar, which is open to the public, will take […]
California’s New Privacy Law Covering Utility ‘Smart Meter’ Data Takes Effect on January 1, 2014
On January 1, 2014, California’s new “smart meter” privacy law goes into effect, which may impact Internet Service Providers, financial institutions and other businesses that handle or receive smart meter data. On October 5, 2013, California Governor Brown approved the law passed by the Assembly (A.B. 1274) that will require certain non-utility businesses to obtain the […]