United States: Media, Telecoms, IT, Entertainment

California has enacted SB 1050, a groundbreaking law requiring clear disclosure when AI-generated synthetic performers appear prominently in advertisements. The legislation, which takes effect January 1, 2027, aims to protect consumers from being misled by artificial intelligence-created digital figures and voices while establishing enforcement mechanisms through existing false advertising statutes.

California law recognizes that workplace sexual harassment extends beyond physical interactions to include digital communications through Slack, Teams, texts, social media, and other electronic platforms. Understanding how unwanted sexual messages, explicit content, and inappropriate digital conduct can create a hostile work environment is crucial for protecting employee rights, regardless of whether communications occur during work hours or through personal devices.

The Federal Communications Commission is seeking public feedback on modernizing its accessibility framework to address rapid changes in consumer technology. The draft Notice of Proposed Rulemaking examines whether existing rules keep pace with today's communications marketplace or inadvertently hinder innovation in accessibility solutions.

California federal courts continue to classify SMS messages as telephone calls under the TCPA's Do Not Call provisions, diverging from nationwide trends. The Ninth Circuit's interpretation, inadvertently broadened by a Republican National Committee case involving MMS messages, has created binding precedent that district courts are now applying to DNC claims.

The Federal Communications Commission is seeking public feedback on modernizing its accessibility framework to address rapid changes in consumer technology. The draft Notice of Proposed Rulemaking examines whether existing rules keep pace with today's communications marketplace or inadvertently hinder innovation in accessibility solutions.

The Federal Communications Commission has proposed comprehensive updates to its Ultra-Wideband Device regulations, which haven't been revised since 2002 despite significant technological advances. The proposed changes would expand UWB applications beyond current imaging and radar systems to include factory automation, autonomous navigation, AI-enabled sensing, and potentially drone operations, toys, and satellite use.

The author announces the early arrival of his daughter Sapphire Jane Troutman while simultaneously launching ticket sales for the fifth annual Law Conference of Champions (LCOC V), scheduled for July 19-21, 2027 in Southern California. Tickets start at $199 but increase by $10 daily, eventually reaching $3,099, making early purchase essential for attendees interested in the premier legal marketing and advertising conference.

A federal jury's $9.25 million verdict against The New York Times for falsely placing a college basketball player at a murder scene reveals how inadequate verification of anonymous sources, ignored editorial safeguards, and dismissal of credible denials can establish actual malice. The historic decision—the first defamation verdict against the Times in over 50 years—demonstrates that involvement in a newsworthy event does not automatically make someone a public figure, and that a publisher's pos

As digital influencers increasingly incorporate copyrighted music, video clips, and images into their content, the legal boundaries of fair use have become critically important. This analysis examines the four-factor fair use test and reveals common misconceptions that put content creators at risk of copyright infringement. Understanding these legal principles is essential for influencers who monetize their content through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate links.

A comprehensive update on recent developments in TCPA litigation and regulatory changes, including the FCC's adoption of new revocation rules, California's SB690 impact on CIPA cases...

California has enacted SB 1050, a groundbreaking law requiring clear disclosure when AI-generated synthetic performers appear prominently in advertisements. The legislation, which takes effect January 1, 2027, aims to protect consumers from being misled by artificial intelligence-created digital figures and voices while establishing enforcement mechanisms through existing false advertising statutes.

The Federal Trade Commission has filed a new enforcement action against Greenway Auto Group, alleging the Florida dealership chain charged consumers thousands more than advertised prices through hidden fees and conditional rebates. This case demonstrates how the FTC is applying its recently released auto pricing guidance to crack down on dealerships that advertise one price but charge another at the point of sale.