Any business based in California that has an online presence knows there are specific laws and rules that must be followed surrounding user privacy. Some of these rules are specific to ecommerce sites, some are specific to online advertising, and some are more general. While it is important to protect consumer privacy, it is also interesting to see some of the potential ramifications of expanding online privacy laws.
Stronger privacy laws might hurt smal business
Net neutrality classification extended to SMS
The legal battle over net neutrality is something that most people in California have been well aware of during the past year. The state of California along with many businesses headquartered in California have voiced strong opposition to the federal government's action to disband net neutrality. Exactly what will happen to net neutrality in California or throughout the country remains to be seen. In the meantime, however, the Federal Communications Commission has made a dramatic change in how text messages are classified.
How can I protect my social media from hackers?
It seems there are often reports about social media accounts being hacked. When hackers gain access to your social media account, they are able to get a wealth of information about you and everyone you connect to through the platform. Since hackers can be located anywhere, not just in California, it is difficult to track them down and stop them. Your best defense is to prevent hackers from ever gaining access to your account.
Can you protect your IP on the internet?
California business owners like you have a vested interest in protecting your intellectual property, and for good reason. However, it can be difficult to do that when the internet seems like it runs on its own set of laws and logic. Millstone, Peterson & Watts, LLP, are here to help you guard your ideas from being stolen or abused online.
California state legislature addresses net neutrality
Home to Silicon Valley and numerous other technology hotbeds, some might say that California was essential in fueling the development of the internet. In the past couple of decades the online world has grown to be a massive industry in relatively little time. In contrast with many other industries, the internet has enjoyed much of its life with little to no governmental regulation. That all changed however when net neutrality came under fire.
Be on the lookout for phishing emails
Phishing emails are one of the great scourges of the internet. These emails are designed by malicious actors to look like actual communiqués sent by companies or other organizations, but in reality these emails are meant to steal your personal information. These emails will trick an unsuspecting California recipient into entering sensitive information into a fake website. They may also carry malware that can infect the recipient’s computer.
A brief look at various online crimes
In the digital era, offenses involving the internet take a myriad of forms. Moreover, while some people may think that these charges carry relatively insignificant consequences, being charged with an internet crime can permanently shatter someone's life. Aside from hefty financial penalties and years behind bars, their reputation may be damaged beyond repair. As a result, if you have been charged with an internet crime in Sacramento, it is crucial for you to carefully take a look at your options and handle the charges cautiously. Furthermore, you should realize that there are a wide variety of offenses people may find themselves accused of.
What should you do if someone pirates online content?
When you provide online content in California, you usually ensure that your work is original and does not copy another person's content. Sometimes, though, you may find that your own work has been pirated. It is important to know what you should do in this situation.
Pictures on the internet and copyright laws
When California residents find pictures on the internet, they may not always consider the ownership of the picture. Not all images found online are available for public use and it is important to understand when a picture is being used illegally.
What is piracy?
Music piracy is probably something you have heard a lot about in California. However, it can be a confusing topic. You may not be completely clear on what it actually means. Could you be guilty of it? If you do not know what it is, then the chances are good that you may have actually done it at some point. In order to avoid possible legal issues, it is essential for you to understand fully what it is and how to ensure you do not do it.