Coming Soon: “Containing Big Tech” (the book)
The book "Containing Big Tech: How to Protect Our Civil Rights, Economy, and Democracy" will published by Fast Company Press. It provides a path forward to rein in online surveillance, AI, and tech monopolies.
A Look at the Different Types of Data Brokers
This blog post looks at the different types of data brokers that sell and share our sensitive personal data such as location, health, religion, etc. Data brokers offer products in these categories: financial information, risk mitigation, marketing and advertising, people search, and personal health.
A Look at AI Legislation in the US
An overview of the state of play of AI legislation in the United States, with a discussion of the Algorithmic Accountability Act and the ADPPA.
A Look at AI Legislation in Europe
This blog post will focus on what Europe is doing with respect to AI regulations and laws, including a look at the AI Act, DSA, and GDPR.
An Overview of AI Ethics and Trustworthy AI
n Greek myth, Pandora was a woman fashioned out of the earth by a Greek God at the request of Zeus. Pandora was bestowed with powerful gifts and attributes — her name means “all-giving” or “all gifted.” She brought with her a jar (later incorrectly translated as a “box”) that contained “countless plagues,” i.e., all types of evil and misery. Pandora opened the jar, and the contents scattered, leaving the earth and sea “full of evils.”
Is CPRA Actually Stronger than the ADPPA?
Is ADPPA really better than CPRA? A new analysis says "not so fast" and that CPRA is still functionally better.
Big Tech Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing? Californians Unite in Opposition to the ADPPA “Trap”
The proposed American Data Privacy and Protection Act (ADPPA) would preempt state law. Californians are not happy about that.
Overview of AB 1651: The California Workplace Technology Accountability Act
A Look at AB 1651: The California Workplace Technology Accountability Act
Transparency in AI: Proposal for a Universal “Is This an AI System?” Consumer Signal
Proposal for a universal way for a consumer to signal ala a yellow card to stop AI in its tracks, and give you the 411 if a human is in the loop or not, or if a video is authentic or a deepfake. In the case of dealing with an AI system, it then gives you the option to say hey I want to speak with a human. Addresses Trustworthy AI's requirements for transparency in communication. Addresses Article 51 of the Artificial Intelligence Act.
Draft CPPA Regulations Puts Some Heat on Data Brokers
The California Privacy Protection Agency (CPPA) has released a draft of its initial Regulations and this draft provides some needed controls and transparency vis a vis businesses selling or sharing data with data brokers.
Tech Firms Silently Kill SB 1059, Bill to Enhance California’s Data Broker Registry
California State Senate Bill 1059 -- that regulates data brokers -- was silently killed in the Appropriations Committee.
My Testimony to the California Privacy Protection Agency re: Consumers' Rights to Opt-Out
My testimony to the California Privacy Rights Act regarding a Consumers' Rights to Opt-out
A Look at the Opposition to California SB 1059 that Would Strengthen Data Broker Oversight
A look at the uncompelling arguments against SB 1059, the California Senate Bill that enhances the California data broker registry.
John Oliver’s Expose on Data Brokers Highlights Need for California Senate Bill 1059
John Oliver's expose on data brokers highlights the need for California Senate Bill 1059.
Enhancing the California Age-Appropriate Design Code Act
In this blog post I will highlight two areas of improvements that I think will better harmonize the California Age-Appropriate Design Code Act with the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA) and make it even stronger.
A Closer Look at the California Age-Appropriate Design Code Act
The California Age-Appropriate Design Code Act would require businesses whose online products would likely be accessed by children to comply with specified standards, including considering the best interests of children. Businesses that own these online products would be required to protect children’s data and limit children’s online exposure.
FAQ Regarding SB 1059: The Bill to Strengthen California’s Data Broker Law
FAQ regarding SB 1059 -- the bill to strengthen California's Data Broker law.
Why Enhance California’s Data Broker Law? The Case for SB 1059
The Case for SB 1059: stronger privacy rights and better visibility into the data brokers who collect, sell, and share our personal data, including real-time location and other sensitive information.
SB 1059 Introduced to Put More Teeth into California Data Broker Law
SB 1059 significantly strengthens California’s existing data broker law by giving Californians increased visibility into businesses known as data brokers that knowingly collect, sell, and share the personal information of a consumer with whom the business does not have a direct relationship.
How the California Privacy Protection Agency Can Better Protect Consumers
How can the California Privacy Protection Agency — a small $10m/year agency staffed with 50-60 personnel — scale itself to effectively protect the privacy rights of 40 million Californians against the most powerful companies the world has ever seen?