Insights < BACK TO ALL INSIGHTS
The FTC Kills Noncompetes
FEATURED
April 30, 2024
The FTC Kills Noncompetes
By: George Calhoun
In a groundbreaking move that will reshape the workplace and many litigation practices nationwide, the FTC has issued a final rule that effectively bans all employee non-compete clauses. Approximately 30 million Americans currently work under a non-compete clause. All but a few applicable to senior executives will be void upon the effective date of the rule. After the rule is effective, no new non-compete clauses will be enforceable, even for senior executives. Noncompetition clauses have long been a contentious issue in the labor market. Employers claim that they protect intellectual property, trade secrets, and business interests. Employees find that such agreements limit worker mobility and suppress wages. According to FTC chairperson Lina Khan, “Noncompete clauses keep wages low, suppress new…
What are you looking for?
Ad-Tech Europe: The Moving Target Marking Targeted Advertising
April 26, 2024
Ad-Tech Europe: The Moving Target Marking Targeted Advertising
By: Nicole Kardell
The European Data Protection Board (“EDPB”) recently published an opinion on the legality of pay-or-consent models for online platforms offering services in Europe. While the opinion is non-binding and limited to “large online platforms[1],” companies that offer platforms large and small in Europe should pay attention to the EDPB’s analysis—it will inform their future guidance for entities large and small. The upshot: Pay-or-consent models [for…
Social Media Networks’ Section 230 Immunity on the Chopping Block? New York Court Allows Claims to Proceed Stemming from Buffalo Shooting
April 1, 2024
Social Media Networks’ Section 230 Immunity on the Chopping Block? New York Court Allows Claims to Proceed Stemming from Buffalo Shooting
By: Michelle Cohen
Since 1996, Internet platforms and social media companies have relied on a federal law, Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, to protect them from liability for civil law claims stemming from content on their platforms. As the influence of platforms like Facebook, Twitter (now X), and others has grown, members of Congress, consumer groups, and other stakeholders have urged Congress to restrict or repeal…
Affiliate Marketers Need to Be Aware of the CFTC
June 23, 2013
Affiliate Marketers Need to Be Aware of the CFTC
By: Ifrah Law
Some affiliate marketers have recently gotten involved in the risky world of online trading. Online trading, particularly the trading of binary options, has become an attractive alternative for some affiliate marketers to traditional forms of online marketing. However, those companies that do get involved in this market must be aware of the presence of the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), which regulates these markets….
Wyndham Case Challenges FTC’s Authority Over Cybersecurity
June 12, 2013
Wyndham Case Challenges FTC’s Authority Over Cybersecurity
By: Ifrah Law
Over the past decade the Federal Trade Commission has brought cybersecurity enforcement actions against various private companies, imposing tens of millions of dollars in monetary penalties and requiring companies to maintain more stringent data-security practices. No company has ever challenged the FTC’s authority to regulate cybersecurity in this way in court – until now. On June 17, 2013, a federal court will finally get a…
FTC: Data Brokers That Compile Tenant Data May Be Covered by FCRA
May 2, 2013
FTC: Data Brokers That Compile Tenant Data May Be Covered by FCRA
By: Steven Eichorn
On April 3, 2013, the Federal Trade Commission issued a press release that marks yet another step in its continuing trend of actions involving data brokers and data providers. As we have noted in earlier blog posts, the agency is making a concerted effort on a number of fronts to enforce the laws that protect consumer data and privacy. The FTC’s current action involves a…
FTC, Rent-to-Own Stores Settle Charges of Spying on Consumers Via Rented Computers
April 26, 2013
FTC, Rent-to-Own Stores Settle Charges of Spying on Consumers Via Rented Computers
By: Ifrah Law
The Federal Trade Commission recently approved nine final orders that settle charges against seven rent-to-own stores and a software design firm and its principals. The charges stemmed from shocking allegations that the companies spied on consumers using computers that the consumers had rented from them. Among other things, the Commission’s complaint alleged that the computers were equipped with software (PC Rental Agent) that used the…
What’s That Charge on My Mobile Phone Bill? The FTC Wants to Know
April 25, 2013
What’s That Charge on My Mobile Phone Bill? The FTC Wants to Know
By: Michelle Cohen
“Cramming” – while it sounds like the experience of being in the middle row of a cross-country flight – actually refers to unauthorized charges on phone bills. Residential and business telecommunications customers have experienced cramming on their wireline bills for years, particularly for premium and other pay-per-call services. And the FTC has brought nearly two dozen cases against those companies. With so many U.S. consumers…
