Is Scrolling the New Smoking?

Is Scrolling the New Smoking?

January 21, 2026

Is Scrolling the New Smoking?

By: Lauren Scribner

In the final weeks of 2025, New York passed a law requiring social media platforms with “certain predatory features” to display warning labels about “the dangerous impact” those features pose to the mental health of users under the age of eighteen.[1] These so-called “predatory features” include continuous and infinite scrolling, displaying addictive feeds, and automatically playing video content.[2]  Warning labels will be displayed upon the initial use of the “predatory feature” and “periodically thereafter, based on continued use.”[3] Users will not have an option to bypass or skip the warnings. In support of the new measure, New York Governor Kathy Hochul stated, “[w]ith the amount of information that can be shared online, it is essential that we prioritize mental health…

Read More about Is Scrolling the New Smoking?

Influencer Liability: Will New-Age Litigation Net Celebrity Spokespeople?

December 12, 2025

Influencer Liability: Will New-Age Litigation Net Celebrity Spokespeople?

By: Lauren Scribner

The “influencer economy,” in which so-called “content creators” share user-generated content such as livestreams or short-form film, is showing no signs of slowing down.  Currently valued north of $250 billion, it is projected to reach nearly $500 billion by 2027.[1] “Creators earn income primarily through direct branding deals to pitch products as an influencer; via a share of advertising revenues with the host platform; and…

Read More about Influencer Liability: Will New-Age Litigation Net Celebrity Spokespeople?

The SEC Signs on to Arbitration

September 29, 2025

The SEC Signs on to Arbitration

By: George Calhoun

Early last week, on September 17, 2025, the SEC announced that it will no longer consider the presence of a mandatory arbitration provision in a company’s charter or bylaws when deciding whether to accelerate the effectiveness of a registration statement.  This policy shift will permit companies to include arbitration clauses in their governing documents to require securities litigants (including class action plaintiffs) to pursue their…

Read More about The SEC Signs on to Arbitration

FTC to Search Engines: Distinguish Paid Search Results or Risk FTC Action

June 30, 2013

FTC to Search Engines: Distinguish Paid Search Results or Risk FTC Action

By: Michelle Cohen

While Google is already subject to commitments it made to the FTC regarding the requirement to afford advertisers non-discriminatory access to its search engine, the FTC’s latest guidance makes clear that Google and other search engines must also maintain clear disclosures to the public about sponsored content in search results. On June 24, 2013, in a series of letters to general search engines such as…

Read More about FTC to Search Engines: Distinguish Paid Search Results or Risk FTC Action

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….

Read More about Affiliate Marketers Need to Be Aware of the CFTC

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…

Read More about Wyndham Case Challenges FTC’s Authority Over Cybersecurity

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…

Read More about FTC: Data Brokers That Compile Tenant Data May Be Covered by FCRA

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…

Read More about FTC, Rent-to-Own Stores Settle Charges of Spying on Consumers Via Rented Computers

Articles and Presentations by Our Firm Attorneys

Is Scrolling the New Smoking?

Is Scrolling the New Smoking?
By: Lauren Scribner

Influencer Liability: Will New-Age Litigation Net Celebrity Spokespeople?

Influencer Liability: Will New-Age Litigation Net Celebrity Spokespeople?
By: Lauren Scribner

The SEC Signs on to Arbitration

The SEC Signs on to Arbitration
By: George Calhoun

Subscribe to Ifrah Law’s Insights