Reproductive Health Data Privacy – A Right To Life

Following the Supreme Court decision to overturning Roe v. Wade on June 24, 2022, the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization ruling that gutted the long-established right to an abortion has been a constant focus, both inside and outside of the legal and healthcare communities. Notably, the ruling has remained a central focus within both the government, federal and state, and surrounding the tech sector. And these Dobbs-related conversations have a theme – the topic of health data privacy. But more specifically, discussions about data privacy surrounding reproductive healthcare.

Legal Risks to Employers when Employees use ChatGPT

Since ChatGPT became public in November 2022, it has created questions for employers about how to incorporate the tool into workplace policies and best maintain compliance with government regulations. This artificial intelligence language platform, that is trained to interact conversationally and perform tasks, raises issues regarding intellectual property risks, inherent bias, data protection, and misleading content.

McLaren Macomb’s Changes to Severance Agreements Signals a Shift in Power for the NLRB

Lucas Bowerman Associate Editor Loyola University Chicago School of Law, JD 2024 In McLaren Macomb, 372 NLRB No. 58, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) changed the validity and enforcement of confidentiality and non-disparagement clauses in severance agreements when it held that employers may no longer proffer language that infringes upon Section 7 National Labor …
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Federal Trade Commission Rule Would Make it Easier to Cancel Subscriptions

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is proposing a rule that would make it easier for consumers to cancel subscription services and free trials they no longer want. This proposal, the “click to cancel” provision, was announced on March 22 and is part of the FTC’s ongoing review of its 1973 Negative Option Rule. This Rule regulates any and all unfair and deceptive practices related to subscriptions, memberships, and other recurring-payment programs. 

Do More Bank Failures Equal More Bank Regulations?

The recent closures of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank, the second and third largest bank failures in U.S. history, have sparked intense discussions pertaining to banking regulations and resulted in both statements and ongoing investigations by the Biden administration, members of Congress, the Federal Reserve, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), and U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO).

“Fairness” Over Inclusion: Pushing Trans Athletes Out of Competitive Sports

The fight for inclusion and equality in sports has been a long and ongoing battle. In recent years, the participation of transgender athletes at the professional level has been one of the most contentious issues. Even as countries like the US have made strides to advance equality for transgendered people, the world of athletics has struggled to find a way of allowing trans athletes to participate while assuaging claims of unfairness and safety concerns. With their decision to ban all trans athletes from participating in women’s sports, World Athletics – which governs track and field worldwide – has once again brought this hotly debated issue to the forefront. The decision has raised questions about the future of transgender athletes in sports and highlights the ongoing challenges they face in achieving full inclusion and equality.

Time to Rethink Corporate Compliance amid DOJ’s New Guidelines

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced significant changes to its Evaluation of Corporate Compliance Programs (ECCP) on March 2, 2023, at the American Bar Association’s National Institute on White Collar Crime. By investigating deeper into companies’ compliance programs, DOJ now provides new stricter guidelines and emphasizes its vigilance and the level of commitment expected from companies. The latest announcement illustrates DOJ’s continued emphasis on company policies regarding compliance incentives and disincentives in executive compensation and the preservation of company communications made via personal devices and instant messaging applications.

SEC Proposes Changes to Adviser Custody Rule

On February 15, 2023, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) proposed an enhanced safeguarding rule for registered investment advisers (RIAs) under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. The proposal would require RIAs to implement certain additional measures to protect their clients’ assets from theft or misuse. Additionally, to combat the growing concerns around cryptocurrency and to modernize the Advisers Act, the SEC proposal would expand protection to all assets, not just funds or securities.

Democrats in Washington Push For Stronger Banking Regulations

The Biden Administration acted strongly last month in response to the recent collapses of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and Signature Bank. Each collapse sent shockwaves through the U.S. banking system and shook the confidence of consumers nationwide. The Biden Administration showed swift and steady leadership in urgently addressing the crisis. The President and leading Democrats in Congress continue to push for stronger regulatory oversight with respect to the banks. This shows that the Democrats are on the right side of the banking issue, as they have been for the 16 years following the 2008 financial crisis.