What do Samsung’s SmartTV, the Xbox One and Google’s Chromium browser have in common? According to the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC), each are among the increasing number of “always on” devices that may be recording conversations of individuals without their express knowledge or consent. EPIC has outlined its concerns in a letter to the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) asking for an investigation of “always on” technology practices.
“Always on” devices often contain functionality through which the consumer can activate a feature using voice commands, such as to change a television channel or initiate a voice-to-text browser search. EPIC asserts that, in some cases, the monitoring of conversations is taking place even when the device is turned off.
The many questions raised by “always on” technology include:
the manner in which communications are captured, stored, shared and retained
what security measures are used to prevent misuse of the communication data?
what laws, including federal or state wiretap laws, apply to “always on” devices?
How the government agencies will respond remains to be seen. Read EPIC’s letter here. Contact us at Ossian Law regarding any information technology law question.
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UPCOMING PRESENTATIONS & WORKSHOPS
The Many Sides of Big Data
Wed., July 22nd, 8:00-9:15 a.m.
Ossian Law P.C. 701 Woodward Heights, Suite 117, Ferndale, MI 48220
How does the proliferation of data impact your business? Do your privacy policies reflect your actual data collection practices? How do your vendors use and share your customer or employee information? Can anonymized data be “re-identified”? These and other questions will be addressed by Information Technology Attorneys Kathy Ossian and Kristie Bakkal in this informative session. Legal issues of Big Data will be explored from the data collector/aggregator, data subject and regulatory perspectives. Free admission includes continental breakfast. There are just a few spots left, so register here today!
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“Twibel” and other Online Defamation
Thurs., Sept. 24th, 6:00-7:15 p.m.
Ossian Law P.C. 701 Woodward Heights, Suite 117, Ferndale, MI 48220
The first case of Twitter libel (“Twibel”) went to trial last year. Online defamation appears to be more prevalent than ever. Kathy Ossian will discuss the elements of libel and details of specific claims and results. Learn steps to avoid being the victim (or perpetrator) of online defamation. Free admission includes light hors d’oeuvres. Seats are limited so register here today!
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Avoiding Technology-aided SNAFUs
Tues., Oct. 23rd, 8:00-9:15 a.m.
Ossian Law P.C. 701 Woodward Heights, Suite 117, Ferndale, MI 48220
Continually evolving technology makes our lives easier. As more activities become Internet-enabled, the potential for mistakes also increases. Kathy Ossian will provide specific examples of technology-aided SNAFUs, including those involving using and managing social media, email, web sites, mobile apps and online accounts. Learn steps designed to avoid technology-aided blunders. Free admission includes continental breakfast. Seats are limited, so register here today!
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