The Bottom Line The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) have continued their commitment to protecting kids’ and teens’ digital privacy. In 2019, Google and YouTube paid what was then a record fine to the FTC and the New York Attorney General for violating Continue Reading
The Maryland Online Data Privacy Act: Familiar Requirements, but Stricter Sensitive Data Mandates
The Bottom Line Maryland’s Legislature passed the Maryland Online Data Privacy Act of 2024 (MODPA) on April 6, 2024. While MODPA carries many similarities to other comprehensive state data privacy laws, it has some stricter parameters around the sharing of sensitive data. Pending Governor Continue Reading
Taxing Digital Advertisements Face Stiff Legal Challenges
The Bottom Line The economic impact of COVID-19 cannot be understated; one impact has been to local and state budgets. States have experienced significant budget shortfalls due to limited economic activity and, as a result, state legislatures are searching for ways to raise revenue in order to Continue Reading
Maryland Passes Digital Advertising Tax
The Bottom Line After more than a year of contention, Maryland’s proposed digital advertising services tax has become law (the Act). On February 12, 2021 the Maryland Senate voted to override Governor Hogan’s previous veto of the legislation. The Act requires “persons” to pay a tax at rates Continue Reading
Ballots Continue to Come in for Legalized Sports Betting
The Bottom Line While more than $1 billion was wagered internationally on the 2020 U.S. presidential election, a different kind of betting was on the minds of voters in Maryland, South Dakota and Louisiana, who passed ballot measures to legalize sports betting in their states. Joining a Continue Reading
A Banner Year for Online Political Ads in a Socially-Distanced Reality
The Bottom Line With less than a month until the 2020 election and the presidential debates in full swing, campaigns are entering the crucial “get out the vote” period of their campaigns and are doing everything they can to motivate their supporters and ensure voters get to the polls. Continue Reading
Massachusetts Pregnant Workers Fairness Act Goes Into Effect on April 1, 2018
The Bottom Line With the MPWFA's April 1, 2018 effective date quickly approaching, Massachusetts employers should review and revise their handbook policies, onboarding notices and HR practices to ensure that they comply with the law’s notice obligations and requirements to provide reasonable Continue Reading