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May 21, 2013

Private Eyes Are Watching You – California Files Its First Internet Consumer Privacy Enforcement Action

Last month, the State of California filed its first enforcement action under its privacy laws against Delta Air Lines, seeking potentially millions of dollars in fines. Under California’s consumer privacy law, all parties that collect personal information from California residents are required to include a privacy notice on their websites and mobile applications. This law applies to all companies – not just those based in California. Failure to comply with California’s privacy notice requirement carries a fine of up to $2,500 per violation.

Although Delta included a compliant privacy policy on its website, California alleges the airline did not state that the policy covered its “Fly Delta” mobile application nor did it include access to the policy on the app. This case could signal increased scrutiny and regulatory enforcement by the State of California (and possibly other governmental authorities) against large and small companies that fail to comply with consumer privacy notice requirements. It also serves as a good reminder for website and mobile app owners, who collect personal information, to:

  • Ensure that they have a privacy policy that complies with both federal and state law.
  • Verify that the manner in which the privacy policy is posted complies with federal and state law.
  • Confirm that the privacy policy applies to its mobile applications and, if possible, that it is accessible from the mobile applications.
  • Confirm that the privacy policy reflects the actual practices of the company.
  • Respond promptly to any notice received from a governmental authority regarding potential violations.
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About the Author

Partner

Joan Archer is a litigation attorney handling intellectual property and complex litigation matters. She has first- or second-chaired more than ten jury trials, bench trials and preliminary injunction hearings. Her intellectual property litigation experience includes trademark, patent and copyright litigation.

For various organizations, Joan counsels regarding trademark and copyright issues. She litigates trademark opposition and cancellation proceedings and had handled many disputes involving the Internet, including those concerning domain names, black-market software, and other...

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About the Author

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As a member of the firm’s Corporate Services practice group, Jennifer Byrne concentrates her practice in general corporate issues, mergers and acquisitions, securities, corporate governance and finance. With experience in representing both public and private companies in a number of industries, including manufacturing, retail, aerospace and professional services, Jennifer provides creative, value-driven results in a wide variety of matters.

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As a member of the Intellectual Property practice group, Tiffany Schwartz guides brand owners in matters involving trademark selection, registration, policing and protection strategies. She understands that our economy is largely driven by brand recognition and that protecting that brand is critical.

For clients in a variety of industries, Tiffany handles domestic and international trademark prosecution and provides opinions relating to trademark selection and infringement issues. She also negotiates and drafts agreements relating to intellectual property and counsels on...

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