Legal & Privacy Brief

Show Notes - 2026-07-18 Stories Covered: - Today: - Flock Safety Cancels "Distress Detection" Audio Surveillance (https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2026/07/victory-flock-ends-rollout-audio-distress-detection-human-voices) - $2.5M FitOn Video Privacy Settlement (https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/open-lawsuit-settlements/2-5m-fiton-video-privacy-class-action-settlement/) - TikTok Child Privacy Investigation (https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/investigations/tiktok-child-privacy-class-action-lawsuit-2/) - Texas AG Paxton Accused of Voter Fraud While Prosecuting Others (Case investigation pending) (https://www.techdirt.com/2026/07/17/ken-paxton-vowed-to-crack-down-on-illegal-voting-he-may-have-violated-texas-election-law/) - Match.com Hidden Paywall Class Action (Case No. 1:26-cv-05554, S.D.N.Y.) (https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/match-com-sued-over-alleged-hidden-paywall-for-highlights-feature/) - GM Coolant Leak Class Action (Case No. 2:26-cv-00217-RWS, N.D. Ga.) (https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/gm-class-action-alleges-coolant-leak-defect-affects-chevrolet-gmc-and-buick-vehicles/) - Lume "Unscented" Deodorant Class Action (Case No. 1:26-cv-05309, S.D.N.Y.) (https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/lume-class-action-alleges-unscented-deodorant-contains-fragrance/) - FCC Eliminates ISP Fee Transparency Requirements (https://www.techdirt.com/2026/07/17/trump-just-made-it-easier-for-your-isp-to-rip-you-off-with-bogus-fees/) - RFK Jr. Potential Hatch Act Violations (Investigation requested) (https://www.techdirt.com/2026/07/17/rfk-jr-may-have-violated-the-hatch-act-in-encouraging-iowa-congressional-candidates-to-drop-out/) - Fairlife Dairy Ransomware Attack Halts U.S. Production (https://therecord.media/dairy-company-fairlife-suspends-production-us-cyber-incident) - Supreme Court Blocks Trump Birthright Citizenship Order (https://www.scotusblog.com/2026/07/in-birthright-citizenship-dissent-justice-thomas-stakes-out-an-ideological-claim-of-who-counts-a/) - Trump Declassifies 2020 Election Documents Showing Russian Interference (https://www.techdirt.com/2026/07/17/the-documents-trump-declassified-to-blame-china-for-the-2020-election-actually-show-russia-was-the-one-meddling-for-him/) Full brief: https://carolinacleartech.com/brief/2026-07-18/

Show Notes - 2026-07-17 Stories Covered: - Today: - £29M Transport for London Cyberattack Conviction (https://therecord.media/scattered-spider-hackers-tfl-sentenced) - Skims Wage Violations Settlement ($200K New Jersey Tax Penalty) (https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/skims-hit-with-wage-lawsuit-alleging-systematic-violations/) - Disney $50M Antitrust Settlement (Live TV Pricing) (https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/open-lawsuit-settlements/50m-disney-antitrust-class-action-settlement/) - TikTok Data Breach Class Action (2.4B Users, Case No. 2:26-cv-06371) (https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/tiktok-class-action-claims-data-breach-exposed-info-of-2-4b-users/) - DraftKings Data Broker Lawsuit (Case No. 2:26-cv-06768) (https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/draftkings-class-action-alleges-data-broker-software-used-to-track-website-visitors/) - Florida's Stop WOKE Act Blocked Again (Eleventh Circuit, 85-Page Ruling) (https://www.techdirt.com/2026/07/16/floridas-stop-woke-act-shut-down-again-by-eleventh-circuit-appeals-court/) - Ultra-Processed Food Addiction Lawsuit Dismissed (Martinez v. Kraft Heinz, E.D. Pa.) (https://www.insideclassactions.com/2026/07/16/federal-court-dismisses-ultra-processed-food-addiction-lawsuit-for-failure-to-plead-but-for-causation/) - Writers Guild Sues Paramount Over Warner Bros. Merger (Antitrust) (https://www.techdirt.com/2026/07/16/writers-guild-of-america-also-sues-paramount-citing-looming-merger-layoff-bloodbath/) - SFPD Terminates Flock Safety Access After 299 Illegal Federal Searches (https://www.techdirt.com/2026/07/16/cops-continue-to-prove-they-cant-be-trusted-with-surveillance-tech/) - Supreme Court Limits Compassionate Release Authority (Rutherford, Fernandez) (https://www.scotusblog.com/2026/07/the-administrative-agency-cases-were-not-the-courts-only-significant-separation-of-powers-decisi/) - UK Ofcom Investigates TikTok for Age-Verification Failures (https://therecord.media/ofcom-investigation-tiktok-age-verification) - Arkansas Sues Snapchat Over Minor Safety Risks (https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/arkansas-lawsuit-claims-snapchat-puts-minors-at-risk-through-disappearing-messages/) - Senator Wyden: Canadian Surveillance Bill Threatens US National Security (https://therecord.media/canada-lawful-access-act-surveillance-wyden-letter) - FCC Officials Accepted $75K+ in Paramount Gifts During Merger Reviews (https://www.techdirt.com/2026/07/16/fcc-officials-took-pricey-gifts-from-paramount-as-the-company-needed-approval-for-billion-dollar-deals/) - Senator Jim Banks Proposes Birthright Citizenship Restriction Citing Supreme Court Roadmap (https://www.scotusblog.com/2026/07/reactions-to-kagan-and-barretts-congressional-testimony/) Full brief: https://carolinacleartech.com/brief/2026-07-17/

Show Notes - 2026-07-16 Stories Covered: - Today: - 23andMe Reaches $18 Million Settlement for Cybersecurity Failures (https://therecord.media/genetic-testing-settlement-data-breach) - Block Inc. Pays $45 Million Over Cash App Fraud Protection Claims (https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/cash-app-parent-block-to-pay-45m-to-settle-states-fraud-protection-claims/) - Temu Faces California Class Action Over Deceptive Spam Emails and Tracking Pixels (Case No. 2:26-cv-05657) (https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/class-action-alleges-temu-used-deceptive-spam-emails-to-install-tracking-technology/) - STIIIZY Data Breach Class Action Settlement Reaches $2.95 Million (https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/open-lawsuit-settlements/2-95m-stiiizy-data-breach-class-action-settlement/) - Popflex and Redo Tech Sued Over Hidden Return Fee Dark Patterns (Case No. 8:26-cv-00597) (https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/popflex-sued-over-alleged-deceptive-checkout-tactics-and-hidden-fees/) - Cove USA Accused of Running Perpetual Fake Sales (Case No. 8:26-cv-00789) (https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/cove-usa-class-action-alleges-perpetual-flash-sales-deceived-consumers/) - Supreme Court Ruling on Bruen Test Survives in United States v. Hemani (https://www.scotusblog.com/2026/07/narrow-holdings-with-broad-consequences/) - Fifth Circuit Vacates Due Process Ruling for Migrants, Reheard En Banc (https://www.techdirt.com/2026/07/15/fifth-circuit-looks-like-its-ready-to-roll-back-its-decision-recognizing-due-process-rights-for-migrants/) - Federal Judge Rules Rubio State Department Engaged in Censorship by Denying Visas to Disinformation Researchers (https://www.techdirt.com/2026/07/15/rubio-wanted-to-ban-censors-from-entering-the-us-a-court-says-hes-the-one-censoring/) - Supreme Court Shadow Docket Decisions Now Outnumber Merits Docket (https://www.techdirt.com/2026/07/15/a-troubling-milestone-most-supreme-court-rulings-are-secretive-votes-with-little-justification/) - Trump Administration Announces Gold Eagle Cyber Vulnerability Clearinghouse (https://therecord.media/gold-eagle-cybersecurity-vulnerabilities-clearinghouse) - NYC Implements Click to Cancel Rules and Junk Fee Ban (https://www.techdirt.com/2026/07/15/nyc-passes-click-to-cancel-rules-as-lina-khan-lives-on/) - California Legislature Removes Browser and Website Age-Gating Expansion from A.B. 1856 (https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2026/07/california-steps-back-dangerous-expansion-its-age-gating-law) - Most Wearable Health Devices Lack Transparency Reports and End-to-End Encryption (https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2026/07/most-smart-watches-rings-and-bands-lack-basic-transparency-reports-and-key-privacy) - Sony Deletes 551 Purchased Movies and TV Shows from PlayStation Store Accounts (https://www.techdirt.com/2026/07/15/sony-deletes-a-bunch-more-movies-from-the-accounts-of-people-who-bought-them/) - Congress Advances KIDS Act Age-Gating Package (https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2026/07/dont-let-congress-age-gate-internet-effector-3813) - Trump Administration Asks Supreme Court to Reconsider Temporary Protected Status for Venezuelan and Haitian Nationals (https://www.scotusblog.com/2026/07/trump-administration-asks-justices-to-have-lower-court-reconsider-protected-status-for-venezuela/) Full brief: https://carolinacleartech.com/brief/2026-07-16/

Show Notes - 2026-07-15 Stories Covered: - Today: - Federal Judge Vacates Trump IRS Settlement, Refers Lawyers for Ethics Investigation (https://www.techdirt.com/2026/07/14/federal-judge-nukes-trumps-self-dealt-irs-settlement-sends-lawyers-to-the-bar/) - Finland Issues Wanted Notice for Vastaamo Psychotherapy Breach Hacker (https://therecord.media/finland-issues-wanted-notice-for-hacker-vastaamo-breach) - US Unseals Indictment Against Russian Bulletproof Hosting Operators (https://therecord.media/us-unseals-indictment-russians-bulletproof-hosting) - Las Vegas Grand Prix $3.04M Class Action Settlement Approved (https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/open-lawsuit-settlements/3-04m-las-vegas-grand-prix-tickets-class-action-settlement/) - Dude Wipes Class Action Challenges Plant-Based and Hypoallergenic Claims (Case No. 5:26-cv-06023) (https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/dude-wipes-class-action-alleges-flushable-wipes-not-plant-based-hypoallergenic/) - Dig Inn Accused of Hiding Delivery Fees in Tax Line Items (Case No. 1:26-cv-03236) (https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/dig-inn-class-action-alleges-restaurant-group-hides-delivery-fees-as-taxes/) - Hilton Grand Vacations TCPA Class Action (Case No. 2:26-cv-00258) (https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/hilton-grand-vacations-accused-of-violating-tcpa-with-repeated-marketing-calls/) - New Jersey Court Dismisses Glenmark Drug Recall Suit for Lack of Standing (Case No. 2:25-cv-02984) (https://www.insideclassactions.com/2026/07/14/new-jersey-court-dismisses-complaint-in-recalled-drugs-suit-for-lack-of-article-iii-standing/) - Twelve States Sue to Block Paramount-Warner Brothers Merger (https://www.techdirt.com/2026/07/14/a-dozen-states-sue-to-block-paramounts-shitty-unpopular-merger/) - EU General Court Affirms Apple's Digital Markets Act Obligations (https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2026/07/european-court-apple-can-not-shirk-its-interoperability-requirements) - Russian Intelligence Compromising NATO Security Cameras for Military Intelligence (https://therecord.media/russian-intelligence-compromising-cameras-nato-ukraine-netherlands) - New York 3D Printer Surveillance Law Takes Effect Despite First Amendment Concerns (https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2026/07/dont-repeat-nys-3d-printing-blunder) - ICE Camera Crews Disguised as Media Film Anti-ICE Protesters (https://www.techdirt.com/2026/07/14/ice-camera-crews-are-labeling-themselves-media-filming-anti-ice-protesters/) - Supreme Court Justice Thomas Argues Equal Protection Doesn't Apply to Federal Government (https://www.scotusblog.com/2026/07/the-biggest-supreme-court-surprises-this-term/) - Supreme Court Limits Presidential Power to Federalize National Guard (https://www.scotusblog.com/2026/07/the-biggest-supreme-court-surprises-this-term/) - Supreme Court Budget Request Increases $20M for Security (https://www.scotusblog.com/2026/07/justices-kagan-and-barrett-testify-before-congress/) Full brief: https://carolinacleartech.com/brief/2026-07-15/

Show Notes - 2026-07-14 Stories Covered: - Today: - US Sanctions First VPN Service for Ransomware Support (https://therecord.media/first-vpn-administrator-us-sanctions-ransomware-groups) - EU and UK Issue Joint Cyber Sanctions Against Russia's FSB (https://therecord.media/russia-blamed-for-poland-grid-cyberattack-in-joint-uk-eu-sanctions-package) - Class Certification Granted in ICE Warrantless Arrest Lawsuit (Case No. 6:25-CV-02011-MTK) (https://www.insideclassactions.com/2026/07/13/class-certification-granted-in-ice-warrantless-arrest-lawsuit/) - Apple Faces Class Action Over Safari Browser Fingerprinting (Case No. 5:26-cv-06307) (https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/class-action-alleges-apples-safari-browser-allows-user-tracking-despite-privacy-promises/) - Gymshark Sued Over Undisclosed Influencer Relationships (Case No. 1:26-cv-05073) (https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/gymshark-sued-over-alleged-failure-to-disclose-paid-influencer-relationships/) - Albany Park Furniture Settles Deceptive Advertising Claims for $15 Million (https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/open-lawsuit-settlements/15m-albany-park-discounts-class-action-settlement/) - Costco Sued Over Grain-Free Dog Food Heart Risks (Case No. 2:26-cv-02182) (https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/costco-sued-over-alleged-heart-risks-linked-to-natures-domain-grain-free-dog-food/) - Lidl Discloses Third-Party Data Breach Affecting Germany, Belgium, Netherlands (https://therecord.media/hackers-steal-lidl-customer-data) - Russian Journalist Ksenia Sobchak's Telegram Channels Compromised Via Email Breach (https://therecord.media/ksenia-sobchak-russian-hackers-leak) - EU Commission Proposes Social Media Age 13 Start Date (https://therecord.media/eu-proposed-social-media-ban-kids-under-13) - UK Moves Forward With Under-16 Social Media Ban (https://www.techdirt.com/2026/07/13/the-uks-new-under-16-social-media-ban-will-cause-more-harm-than-it-prevents/) - Trump Administration Subpoenas New York Times Reporters Over Air Force One Coverage (https://therecord.media/hackers-steal-lidl-customer-data) - Sony Eliminates Physical Game Discs for PlayStation (https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2026/07/sony-nerfs-videogame-ownership) Full brief: https://carolinacleartech.com/brief/2026-07-14/