The Filing Cabinet

Uber, Snapchat, and Golden Technologies are the latest companies to come under fire for how they use the geolocation data they collect from their customers. In this week’s podcast, we talk to Fernando Bohorquez, a partner at the law firm BakerHostetler who specializes in privacy and data security issues, about how companies can navigate the inherent risks of this increasingly valuable data, incorporate the FTC’s “privacy-by-design” standard, and stay out of trouble with regulators and privacy advocates alike.

Federal Trade Commission Chairman Edith Ramirez took to the floor of the International Consumer Electronics show in Las Vegas last week to offer companies a warning about the “Internet of Things” and broadband-connected cars, wearable tech, and home appliances. Connected devices pose significant privacy and security implications, she said, urging manufacturers to adopt “security by design” principles and data minimization practices.

The Federal Trade Commission has issued orders to nine companies requiring them to provide the agency with information on how they conduct assessments of companies to measure their compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS).

The Federal Trade Commission is adjusting three monetary exemption thresholds in its Franchise Rule. The thresholds are used to determine whether the sale of a franchise qualifies for an exemption from the rule, which requires franchisors to disclose key information prospective buyers need to evaluate the risks and benefits of investing in a franchise. More from Joe Mont.

U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-Va.) wants answers from the FTC about how it will protect children’s privacy given the popularity of Internet-connected toys.

Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) are calling upon the FTC to investigate the practices of app developers and app stores accused of accessing children’s sensitive data without required consent. 

The massive data breach that hit consumer credit rating firm Equifax is the catalyst for a run of Congressional hearings, new data protection legislation, and investigations by the Department of Justice and FTC.

The Federal Trade Commission has expanded its guidance for companies coming into compliance with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act. The changes apply to the collection of voice recordings.

As the CFPB’s efforts fade away, Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) is urging the Federal Trade Commission to ramp up its own investigation into last year’s Equifax data breach.

The FTC has reached a settlement with PayPal over allegations related to its Venmo peer-to-peer payment service, claimed privacy protections, and violations of violations of Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act rules.

Under pressure from the Federal Trade Commission, J.M. Smucker Co. has decided to drop its proposed acquisition of Wesson cooking oil from Conagra Brands.

Terrell McSweeny, a commissioner of the Federal Trade Commission since April 2014, will depart the agency by the end of this month. Chairman Maureen Ohlhausen described her as “a steadfast advocate for consumers and competition.”

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai announced on Thursday that the his Commission’s Restoring Internet Freedom Order will take effect on June 11, officially ending "net nutrality."

Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) is the latest legislator to move forward with a bill to establish a national consumer data privacy law. His proposed American Data Dissemination (ADD) Act, uses the Privacy Act of 1974 as its framework.