California has become the first state to pass legislation to regulate the Internet of Things. The new law, which takes effect on January 1, 2020, applies to manufacturers of connected devices, which are defined as “any device, or physical object that is capable of connecting to the Internet, directly or indirectly, and that is assigned an [IP] address or Bluetooth address.”
Under the new law, manufacturers of connected devices must equip the device with reasonable security features that are appropriate to the “nature and function of the device” and the information that the device may “collect, contain or transmit.” Each device must also have a unique preprogrammed password. The law will not apply to any device that is already subject to federal security laws or regulations or to manufacturers are already covered by federal or state health privacy laws, including HIPAA.
It remains to be seen whether other states will follow California’s lead in enacting similar legislation. The text of the new legislation is available here. Contact us at Ossian Law regarding any information technology law question.
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UPCOMING PRESENTATIONS & WORKSHOPS
“Maximizing Your Brand Online and Off!”
Tuesday, November 6th — 6:00 – 8:00 PM
University of Phoenix, 26261 Evergreen Rd., Southfield, MI 48076
The discussion will include:
- Establishing your Brand
- Promoting your Brand
- Ossian Law P.C. as an example
- Protecting your Brand
- Questions & Answers
The presentation is geared primarily to existing businesses and potential entrepreneurs who want to establish and build a brand in terms of a company, product or service name. It includes examples of using a tool to check whether and how your brand is being used online and several examples of promoting your brand using social media (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.) as well as through offline activities, such as presenting and writing articles in your field of expertise.
“Social Media and User Data – Is the Pendulum Shifting?”
Thursday, December 20th — 7:00 to 8:30 PM
Inventor’s Association of Metropolitan Detroit
Lawrence Technological University, 2100 W. Ten Mile Rd., Southfield, MI 48076
Social media has become an integral part of our business and personal lives. In the wake of the Facebook-Cambridge Analytica revelations, social media platforms are facing increasing scrutiny on a number of fronts over user data policies and practices. Investigations by the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general and recent Congressional hearings have heightened calls for regulation. The pervasive nature of social media use and the lack of comprehensive privacy laws to date underscore the challenge of rolling out meaningful, practical regulations. Kathy Ossian of Ossian Law P.C. will cover:
- Examples of use and sharing of data to disseminate false information and influence elections
- Effectiveness of platform self-regulation of content, including hate speech and “fake news”
- Impact of changes in data sharing practices on users, developers, advertisers and customers
- Potential regulation models
Registration available soon!
PLI Social Media Law Addressing Corporate Risks 2019 “View from the Trenches”
(Kathy Ossian, moderator)
Friday, February 1st — 4:00 to 5:00 PM
PLI California Center, 685 Market Street, San Francisco, California 94105
Wednesday, February 13th — 4:00 to 5:00 PM
PLI New York Center, 1177 Avenue of the Americas, (2nd floor), entrance on 45th Street, New York, New York 10036
Registration for San Francisco and New York available here.