Trying to Tackle Big Data: European Union Launches Draft Data Act
On 23 February 2022, the European Commission (Commission) proposed a draft of a regulation on harmonised rules on fair access to and use of data – also known as the Data Act. The Data Act is intended to “ensure fairness in the digital environment, stimulate a competitive data market, open opportunities for data-driven innovation and make data more accessible for all”.
If adopted in its current form, the new rules will impose far-reaching obligations on tech companies (such as manufacturers of connected products and cloud service providers) and give national authorities new enforcement powers to sanction infringements with fines of up to EUR 20 million or 4% of annual global revenue, whichever is higher. (more…)
SEC Chair: Sweeping New Cybersecurity Rules Are Coming Soon
On Monday, January 24, 2022, in a speech at the Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law annual Securities Regulation Institute conference, Gary Gensler, Chair of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), announced that he has asked SEC staff to provide sweeping rulemaking recommendations to modernize and expand the agency’s rules relating to cybersecurity.1 Stressing that cybersecurity is a matter of national security, Chair Gensler signaled that new guidance or proposed rules would enhance or expand public company cybersecurity programs and risk disclosures; cybersecurity program requirements and breach notification obligations for SEC regulated entities under Reg S-P; and the scope of registrants covered under Regulation Systems Compliance and Integrity (Reg SCI). He also signaled the SEC’s continued focus on enforcement and cooperation with other law enforcement agencies.2 (more…)
SEC Encourages Self-Reporting of Recordkeeping Violations Resulting From Employees’ Use of Personal Devices for Business Communications
On December 17, 2021, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced settled charges against a broker-dealer firm for recordkeeping violations arising from its employees’ use of personal devices for business communications. The firm agreed to pay a $125 million penalty and to retain a compliance consultant to conduct a comprehensive review of its policies and procedures relating to the retention of electronic communications found on personal devices. In announcing this enforcement action, the SEC encouraged registrants to self-report similar failures to the SEC. (more…)
FTC Announces it May Pursue Rulemaking to Combat Discrimination in AI
On December 10, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced it is considering a rulemaking on commercial Artificial Intelligence (AI). The purpose of the rulemaking, according to an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) titled “Trade Regulation in Commercial Surveillance,” would be “to curb lax security practices, limit privacy abuses, and ensure that algorithmic decision-making does not result in unlawful discrimination.”
While not formally part of the rulemaking process mandated by the Administrative Procedure Act, advanced notices allow agencies to solicit public comment before drafting more specific proposals. The FTC has not yet issued privacy or artificial intelligence rules, though it has indicated that such rulemaking is on the horizon. The December 10 ANPRM is another signal that the FTC is gearing up to develop substantive privacy guidelines. (more…)
Meru Data Podcast Features Sidley Associate Lauren Kitces
Sidley associate Lauren Kitces was featured on Simplify For Success, a podcast series presented by Meru Data and hosted by Priya Keshav. The discussion covered upcoming U.S. privacy laws and key considerations for organizations as they prepare for these laws. (more…)
U.S. Federal Bank Regulators Require Notifications For Material Cybersecurity Incidents
On November 18, 2021, a group of federal bank regulators announced a final rule requiring banks to notify their primary federal regulator of any “significant computer-security incidents.” Regulators must be notified no later than 36 hours after the bank has determined that the incident triggers the rule’s notification requirement. Further, bank service providers are now required to promptly notify all affected banks whenever a cybersecurity disruption lasts for four or more hours. (more…)
SEC Identifies Deficiencies From its Electronic Investment Advice Initiative
On November 9, 2021, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Division of Examinations (EXAMS) released a risk alert (Risk Alert) concerning deficiencies it observed in its examinations of advisers providing electronic advisory services, including advisers known as “robo-advisers.”1 Those deficiencies were in the areas of the robo-advisers’ compliance programs, portfolio management practices (including advisers’ fiduciary obligations), and marketing/performance advertising. (more…)
Fireside Chat: Earning Public Trust Amid Heightened Tech Regulation
On October 19, 2021, Sidley partner Alan Raul engaged in a fireside chat with Julie Brill, Corporate Vice President, Chief Privacy Officer, and Deputy General Counsel of Microsoft at the Reuters Events’ Legal Leaders 2021 Conference. (more…)
FTC Issues Civil Penalty Notice to 700 Companies Regarding Endorsements and Reviews
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on October 13 published a Notice of Penalty Offenses advising more than 700 companies that they could incur significant civil penalties if they use endorsements in ways that run counter to the FTC’s guidance. The FTC, in its own words, “blanket[ed] industry” with these notices to send a “clear message” that companies cannot use “fake reviews and other forms of deceptive endorsements” to “cheat consumers and undercut honest businesses.” (more…)
Changes to FTC Rulemaking Procedures Herald More Aggressive Action on Consumer Privacy
On July 22, 2021, the Federal Trade Commission finalized important changes to its procedures for rulemaking under Section 18 of the FTC Act. Section 18 authorizes the Commission to make regulations, termed “Trade Regulation Rules,” (or “Magnuson-Moss Rules” after their authorizing statute), which “define with specificity” conduct that violates the FTC Act’s ban on “unfair or deceptive” business practices. Section 18 rules are promulgated through a “hybrid rulemaking” process that includes, if an interested party requests it, an “informal hearing” with limited opportunities for oral presentation and cross-examination by representatives of stakeholder groups. (more…)
