Category:Uncategorized
SEC Proposes Rules to Combat Cyber-Attacks
On March 9, 2022, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) proposed rules on Cybersecurity Risk Management, Strategy, Governance, and Incident Disclosure by Public Companies. In an attempt to further protect against cybersecurity attacks and increase cyber transparency among issuers and investors President Biden signed into law the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act of 2022 (CIRCIA). Before CIRCIA goes into effect, it requires the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to complete mandatory rulemaking activities, to develop/publish a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), and a final rule. The SEC proposal and CIRCIA both have different implications, but both will increase cybersecurity regulations and procedures, even making employees more conscious of potential attacks.
Possible Pitfalls in Michigan State’s Certification of Title IX
On Friday, September 30th, the Michigan State University Board of Trustees released an audit conducted earlier this month on the Title IX certification process. This audit was conducted after concerns arose regarding failure of compliance with the state-mandated Title IX certification process last year. Michigan State University President, Samuel Stanley, is at the forefront of the investigations.
The Mahsa Amini Protests: The Fight for Freedom and Women’s Rights in Iran
On September 16, 2022, a 22-year-old Iranian woman named Mahsa Amini died on her third day in police custody after being arrested for allegedly violating Iran’s strict dress code rules by wearing her hijab too loosely. While Iranian authorities claim that Ms. Amini died of heart failure, her family and protestors across the country are alleging that she was killed by law enforcement. Thousands of Iranians have taken to the streets to protest, which has led to demonstrations in over 40 cities across Iran, resulted in thousands of arrests and dozens of deaths from clashes with security forces, and the implementation of communication restrictions by the Iranian government. Now, the United Nations and its member countries are taking action in response to Iran’s persistent violations of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights treaty, to which they are signatories.
Artificial Intelligence: The Next Regulatory Frontier
Until recently, Artificial Intelligence (AI) was the domain of science fiction connoisseurs and Silicon Valley tech savants. Now, AI is ubiquitous in our daily lives, with a seemingly endless number of possible applications. As with any new and emerging technology, there are many novel questions and concerns that need to be addressed. Whether it be related to copyright ownership, ethics, cybersecurity obstacles, or discrimination and bias, concerns surrounding AI usage are mounting. AI system regulation has been rapidly increasing worldwide, while the U.S. regulatory landscape has remained relatively sparse. But it won’t be for long.
America Has a Problem: The Ever-Worsening Water Crisis Plaguing the Country
As the summer came to an end, headlines about thousands of residents losing access to water swept the nation. The news came first out of Jackson, Mississippi. But although the southern city’s complete loss of access to water dominated the new cycle, it was far from the only place dealing with this issue. A few days later, reports of boil water advisories in Baltimore and NYC hit the news cycle. Unfortunately, these are only the latest instances in a long string of issues with access to safe and clean drinking water across the country.
New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission Issues Interim Guidance on Workplace Impairment
The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (the Commission) recently issued interim guidance on the workplace drug testing provisions of the state’s recreational cannabis law. The guidance is meant to act as a placeholder until the standards for Workplace Impairment Recognition Expert (WIRE) certification are published, which outlines how employers should respond when employees are suspected of marijuana impairment. The interim guidance confirms that an employee’s off-duty use of cannabis cannot be the reason for any adverse employment action, but employers are allowed to terminate workers who are under the influence during work hours.
Protecting the Freedom of Reading during the Rise of Book Censorship
This year, September 18th marked the start of Banned Books Week, which ran through September 24th with the purpose of bringing awareness to books that have been banned in libraries and classrooms across the United States. With the recent rise of politicization of education in America, the movement to ban books has skyrocketed. This year is already seeing record numbers of restrictions on books being taught in schools, with the American Library Association citing close to 700 book challenges that have already been brought. The rise of book censorship is being fueled by organizations with a focus on censoring books they deem should be banned from schools, who are compiling lists of hundreds of books with themes they disagree with.
Corporations Need to Pay More Attention to UN’s Sustainable Development Goals
On September 13, 2022, the United Nations General Assembly “UNGA” opened its 77th session in New York City. The UNGA is an international policy making organization made up of several Member States. Businesses and companies look towards developments from UNGA to implement procedures for sustainable practices that ensure their companies contribute to a healthy and sustainable environment and development. This article analyzes why and how companies need to emphasize the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals “SDGs” and how the compliance industry can hold companies accountable.
Can We Do Anything About Sexual Crimes in the Metaverse?
* Content warning: This piece contains references to sexual assault and harassment.
In an article entitled Reality or Fiction, Nina Jane Patel shared her experience with sexual harassment in the Metaverse. She repeatedly asked fellow users to stop and tried to move away, but they followed her, continuing their verbal assault and sexual advances. In part, she writes, “they touched and groped while they took selfies. They were laughing, they were aggressive, and relentless. I froze. It was a nightmare.” As she tried to escape the situation, she could still hear them – “don’t pretend you didn’t love it, this is why you came here.” After the assault, she couldn’t report it to the police, and no suit was filed against the group of four men.
Considerations for Employer-Provided Abortion Benefits
Following the ruling of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization and subsequent reversal of Roe v. Wade, employers have begun to re-strategize how to help their employees legally access abortions. Several U.S. companies, including Amazon, Meta, Apple, and Microsoft, have released statements that they will cover transportation costs to other states for employees seeking an abortion.