Texas Attorney General Sues Allstate Corporation in First Privacy Enforcement Lawsuit Alleging Texas Data Privacy Security Act, Texas Broker Law, Texas Insurance Code Violations
The Texas Attorney General (AG), Ken Paxton, filed a complaint in the District Court of Montgomery County against Allstate Corporation (Allstate), alleging that the company violated the Texas Data Privacy and Security Act (TDPSA) by illegally obtaining sensitive driving data from third party apps on consumer cell phones. Allstate is accused of using the data […]
FCC Adopts Stricter Robocall Mitigation Database Filing Requirements and Higher Base Fines for Inaccurate Filings
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has adopted new rules (Rules) to tighten the requirements for the Robocall Mitigation Database (RMD) filings, aiming to improve compliance and increase awareness of provider responsibilities in protecting consumers from illegal robocalls. New Requirements and Revised Penalties Annual Certification and Filing Fees An annual re-certification of the accuracy of submissions […]
FCC Announces New and Increased Application Fees for 2025
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has released its updated application fee schedule for 2025, introducing new fees and increases to existing fees across various types of applications. These adjustments reflect changes in administrative costs and inflation. Below, we highlight key examples of fee changes, focusing on common applications for wireless licensing, experimental licensing, cable landing licenses, 214 […]
Oregon Attorney General Issues Guidance on Artificial Intelligence, Marking a Nationwide Trend for State Law Regulation of AI
Oregon Attorney General (AG) recently issued Guidance on Artificial Intelligence (AI) (Guidance), highlighting the existing state law landscape that applies to various AI applications. Although the Guidance is directed at Oregon businesses and references Oregon law, this action reflects a broader national trend of applying current legal frameworks to emerging technologies. While Oregon lacks specific […]
FTC Requires accessiBe to Pay $1 Million for Deceptive Advertising Claims
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has announced a proposed consent order requiring accessiBe, Inc. and accessiBe Ltd. to pay $1 million to settle allegations that the company engaged in deceptive advertising practices related to its AI-powered web accessibility tool, accessWidget. As previously reported in our client advisory, the company faced allegations of misrepresenting ADA compliance […]
Deadline to File Beneficial Ownership Information Reports Pursuant to Corporate Transparency Act Halted… Again… For Now
On December 26, 2024, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit issued an order in Texas Top Cop Shop, Inc. et al. v. Garland et al., effectively pausing the beneficial ownership information (BOI) reporting requirements established by the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). Background: December 3, 2024: The U.S. District Court for the Eastern […]
Nationwide Injunction Lifted: Corporate Transparency Act Reporting Requirements Reinstated with Extended Deadlines
On December 23, 2024, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit granted a motion for a temporary stay of the injunction pending appeal in the case challenging the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). This decision effectively lifts the nationwide injunction previously issued by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, which […]
NANC Adopts Recommendations for VoIP Providers’ Direct Access to Telephone Numbers
On December 13, 2024, the North American Numbering Council (NANC) adopted recommendations and drew conclusions on VoIP providers’ direct access to telephone numbers for the use of the Federal Communications Commission (Commission or FCC). The NANC is a federal advisory committee that provides advice and recommendations to the FCC on access to, and use of, […]
FTC Targets Hidden ‘Junk Fees’ With New Pricing Transparency Rule for Live Events and Short-Term Lodging
Have you ever gone to buy tickets for a sports game, only to find the price balloon by the time you reach checkout? Thanks to so-called “resort,” “convenience,” “service,” or “processing” fees, the total cost can sometimes double. In response, the FTC has announced its Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees (often called “junk fees”), […]
FCC Order Threatening 2,411 Providers with Blocked Traffic Following Potential Removal from Robocall Mitigation Database For Deficient Filings is Published in the Federal Register
As discussed in a previous advisory, the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Enforcement Bureau issued an Order on December 10 directing 2,411 providers to address deficiencies in their Robocall Mitigation Database (RMD or Database) certifications or risk removal from the Database. A summary of the Order was published in the Federal Register on December 17, 2024. The deadline […]
Reminder: December 27, 2024 Deadline to Opt Out of Automatic Migration to Digital Voice Fixed (DVF) Status in California
As previously mentioned, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has authorized a revision of the state’s regulatory framework, introducing new requirements and compliance obligations for interconnected Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) providers operating within California. This is a reminder for VoIP providers operating in California under the previous regulatory framework that the deadline to opt […]
FCC Sets New Record with USF Contribution Factor Soaring to 36.3% for Q1 2025
The FCC Managing Director issued a Public Notice on December 12, 2024, announcing the proposed Universal Service Fund (“USF”) contribution factor for the first quarter of 2025 will be 36.3%, a 0.5% increase from last quarter’s 35.8%. This announcement signifies a noteworthy escalation, setting a new record high at 36.3%, surpassing the previous peak of 35.8% […]
FCC Threatens 2,411 Providers with Blocked Traffic Following Potential Removal from Robocall Mitigation Database For Deficient Filings; Proposes Increased Monetary Penalties for Faulty RMD Certifications In the Future
On December 10, 2024, the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Enforcement Bureau issued an Order directing 2,411 providers to address deficiencies in their Robocall Mitigation Database (RMD or Database) certifications or risk removal from the Database. This action stems from recent amendments to the FCC’s rules aimed at enhancing robocall mitigation efforts. Identified providers must comply […]
FTC’s Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR) Will Apply to Inbound Tech Support Calls Starting on January 9, 2025
Today, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has published amendments to its Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR or the Rule) in the Federal Register. The amendments will extend the Rule’s applicability to inbound calls made by a consumer in response to an advertisement or direct mail solicitation offering technical support products or services. This measure is aimed […]
FCC Actions in Response to Salt Typhoon Hacks
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced that it is taking steps to address cybersecurity vulnerabilities exposed by the recent Salt Typhoon cyberattack, which was linked to foreign state-sponsored actors. FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel issued a statement proposing a Declaratory Ruling addressing this issue, which has been circulated to the other Commissioners. The Declaratory Ruling would confirm […]
Texas District Court Issues Nationwide Preliminary Injunction on Corporate Transparency Act Which Requires Disclosing Beneficial Ownership Information to FinCEN
On December 3, 2024, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas issued a nationwide preliminary injunction in the case of Texas Top Cop Shop, Inc., et al. v. Garland, et al. (Case No. 4:24-cv-478), prohibiting the federal government from enforcing the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). As previously reported by our firm, Congress […]
