Blogs

Privacy and Security related image, digital thumbprint

Perkins on Privacy

Perkins on Privacy keeps you informed about the latest developments in privacy and data security law. Our insights are provided by Perkins Coie's Privacy & Security practice, recognized by Chambers as a leading firm in the field.

Subscribe

privacy shield

April 25, 2025 Regulatory Enforcement Federal Trade Commission Consumer Protection

FTC Enforcement Priorities Take Shape With Resource Cuts in Mind

Perkins Coie partner Janis Kestenbaum says the FTC is keeping the pressure on strong consumer protection enforcement despite the Trump administration’s deregulatory agenda.

Security

February 7, 2025 Privacy Compliance Children’s Privacy Federal Trade Commission Regulatory Enforcement

FTC Announces New Children’s Privacy Requirements in Updated COPPA Rule

The Federal Trade Commission announced long-awaited amendments to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act Rule on January 16, 2025, marking the first changes to the COPPA Rule since 2013. The amendments are the output of a rule review process that began in 2019 and a notice of proposed rulemaking announced in December 2023.

Computer Lock Security

December 11, 2024 Regulatory Enforcement Federal Trade Commission

FTC Staff Paper Finds that Most Surveyed “Smart” Products Fail to Disclose Duration of Support

On November 26, 2024, the FTC released a staff paper regarding the disclosure of the duration of the support for the software of connected consumer devices. As the FTC staff explained, if a manufacturer stops providing software updates, products may lose their “smart” functionality, become insecure, or stop working entirely. Against that backdrop, the FTC examined the software support disclosures of manufacturers of 184 connected consumer products. The FTC concluded that just under 89% of the product web pages for the studied devices did not disclose a software support period.

Security

December 4, 2024 Privacy Compliance New Administration Regulatory Enforcement Federal Trade Commission

How the FTC’s Approach to Privacy, Security, and AI Enforcement May Change

The new administration is likely to have a significant impact on the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC’s) approach to privacy, data security, and other technology-related aspects of consumer protection, including artificial intelligence (AI).

bell on front desk at hotel

November 7, 2024 Regulatory Enforcement Data Security Data Breach and Incident Response Federal Trade Commission

FTC and State Coalition Settle Data Breach Cases with Marriott

In 2018, Marriott announced a data breach affecting its Starwood reservation system, thought at the time to have affected up to 500 million people worldwide. These settlements arise from that incident, as well as two smaller incidents that also affected Starwood and Marriott. The FTC alleges these incidents exposed payment card information, unencrypted passport numbers, and loyalty account information, along with other information like names, dates of birth, and contact information.

Computer Lock Security

October 28, 2024 Regulatory Enforcement Children’s Privacy

UK Online Safety Act: A Look Ahead

Ofcom, the U.K. Online Safety Act (the Act) regulator, released an updated roadmap on the timing of obligations for covered services on October 17, 2024.

Happy family together at home.

August 14, 2024 Data Security Regulatory Enforcement Children’s Privacy Federal Trade Commission

FTC Order Bans Anonymous Messaging App from Serving Minors

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Los Angeles County District Attorney announced a complaint and proposed stipulated order concerning the “NGL: ask me anything” anonymous messaging app.

scales

June 27, 2024 Regulatory Enforcement Children’s Privacy

California Attorney General Announces Children’s Privacy Settlement with Mobile Game

The California Attorney General announced a settlement with Tilting Point Media LLC resolving allegations of unauthorized disclosure of children's personal information.

Financial Services & Investments

March 18, 2024 Regulatory Enforcement Federal Trade Commission

FTC Obtains $16.5M from Avast for Sale of Sensitive Data

The FTC's action against Avast reflects its continued focus on the mass collection and sale of sensitive personal data for advertising purposes.

U.S. Capitol at sunset

March 14, 2024 Children’s Privacy Legislative Developments

Kids Online Safety Act Gains Momentum in the Senate

Last month, Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) reintroduced the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), initially introduced last term, noting that the bill now has 62 cosponsors, bipartisan support, and is poised to pass in the Senate.

Computer server room

January 26, 2024 Regulatory Enforcement Federal Trade Commission

The FTC Continues its Focus on Location and Sensitive Data

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) followed its recent spate of enforcement in the location and sensitive data space with the announcement of another enforcement action and proposed settlement with InMarket Media, Inc. (InMarket).

columns of court building

October 19, 2023 Children’s Privacy State Privacy Laws

California Law Requires Platforms To Take More Action Against Child Sexual Exploitation

California Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed AB 1394, a law that imposes new obligations on social media platforms to prevent and combat child sexual abuse and exploitation.

Pay Cell Economy

October 9, 2023 Children’s Privacy

Federal Courts Preliminarily Enjoin Arkansas Social Media Safety Act and California Age-Appropriate Design Code

After a flurry of legislative activity across the United States related to kids' privacy and safety online, in recent weeks, federal courts in Arkansas and California have enjoined two notable state laws.

Gavel banging

September 21, 2023 Children’s Privacy

UK Parliament Passes a Sweeping and Controversial Online Safety Bill

The UK Online Safety Bill was passed by Parliament earlier this week and is expected to soon become law through royal assent.

Law Building

August 21, 2023 Regulatory Enforcement Student Privacy Children’s Privacy

FTC’s COPPA Enforcement Action Provides Lessons for Edtech Providers

The Federal Trade Commission recently announced an enforcement order against edtech company Edmodo for allegedly violating the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act.