The Bottom Line The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted a rule that is designed to close the lead generator loophole related to robocalls and robotexts. The FCC’s 4-1 vote on December 13, 2023, resulted in a change that could dramatically increase the potential for lawsuits Continue Reading
Supreme Court Narrows Definition of Autodialer in Facebook Ruling
The Bottom Line The U.S. Supreme Court released its eagerly anticipated decision in Facebook Inc. v. Duguid yesterday, narrowly construing the definition of an automatic telephone dialing system, or autodialer, under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and resolving the Continue Reading
“Grand Finale?” — Supreme Court to Address the Definition of “Automatic Dialer” Under the TCPA
The Bottom Line Since 1991, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) has set out to end unwanted contact from telemarketers, generally prohibiting (among other things) the use of an “Automated Telephone Dialing System” (ATDS) to call wireless phone numbers without the appropriate level of Continue Reading
Competing Bipartisan COVID-19 Privacy Bills to Be Introduced
The Bottom Line Two federal data privacy bills may soon be introduced before Congress — The COVID-19 Consumer Data Protection Act, introduced by Republican Senators, and the Public Health Emergency Privacy Act, introduced by a group of Democratic Senators and Representatives. The Continue Reading
Key Considerations for Retailers in the Face of COVID-19
The Bottom Line Retailers are facing unprecedented challenges in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. While some companies, such as wholesalers of essential household items and groceries, are experiencing a surge in demand, others, especially those that rely on a Continue Reading
Telemarketing Lawsuits Fueled by Regulatory Uncertainty
6th Edition: Trends in Marketing Communications Law Recent developments continue to highlight the high risks associated with class action lawsuits brought under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). With statutory damages of up to $1,500 for a single unauthorized text message, consumers Continue Reading
“Dialing It Back?” Federal Courts Weigh in on “Autodialers” After Appeals Court Strikes Down FCC Interpretation of TCPA
The Bottom Line In the aftermath of the DC Circuit's ruling striking down the FCC's interpretations of what constitutes an ATDS under the TCPA, ambiguity abounds. While the Herrick ruling represents a very positive development for marketers and their agencies, the Reyes ruling demonstrates that Continue Reading
Federal Appeals Court Strikes Down Key Parts of the FCC’s TCPA Order
The Bottom Line The court's decision sends the FCC back to the drawing board, providing the marketing industry with an opportunity to offer input as the FCC reconsiders its interpretation of the TCPA. Indeed, a coalition led by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has petitioned the FCC to craft a narrow Continue Reading
What We Can Learn from the FTC’s 2017 Privacy and Data Security Update
The Bottom Line The FTC exercises broad reach over privacy and data security issues across numerous industries. The Report shows a continuing trend towards more enforcement actions and increased penalties. All companies should review their privacy and data practices to confirm that they are in Continue Reading
No Harm, No Foul? Individualized Consent Issues Sink TCPA Class Action
The Bottom Line The Northern District of Illinois' practical approach to analyzing whether lack of consent gives rise to actionable harm under the TCPA, and whether this issue can truly be determined on a class-wide basis, may represent a significant victory for businesses that rely heavily on Continue Reading