On February 23, 2016, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced a settlement with computer hardware maker ASUSTeK Computer, Inc. (ASUS). The ASUS settlement highlights the FTC’s position regarding security in the connected device market: connected
Continue Reading WSGR Alert: FTC Settles with Manufacturer of Home Network Routers over Alleged Data Security Flaws
FTC Approves Facial Recognition as Method of Obtaining Parental Consent to Collect Children’s Information
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently approved a new method for website operators and mobile application developers (“operators”) to obtain parental consent to collect personal information from children.1 Under this new method, which is the first to use biometric identifiers to verify that a parent is providing consent for a child, the FTC will permit operators to use facial recognition technology to compare an image of the person providing consent with an image of verified photo identification, such as a drivers’ license or passport. If the two images match, the user is verified and can provide consent for the child to use the website or mobile application.
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HHS Ends 2015 with Three HIPAA Enforcement Settlements
In late 2015, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced three settlements in which the agency will collect over $5 million in collective penalties for alleged non-compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). In addition to the monetary penalties, each of the settlements requires compliance with a Corrective Action Plan (CAP), calling for the organizations to invest significant resources toward HIPAA compliance.
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No More Crying Wolf—HIPAA Audits Coming in 2016
Following the conclusion of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) pilot audit program in 2012, speculation began about the timing of the permanent program of periodic HIPAA audits. Originally, the Department of Health and Human Service’s Office of Civil Rights (OCR) scheduled the permanent audit program for 2014. However, personnel and budget limitations delayed the launch, and the year came and went without implementation of the program.
With 2015 nearing its close, advisors in the health data industry may have felt like they were crying wolf while encouraging clients to take this time to review and improve HIPAA compliance efforts given the impending audits. Finally, however, in late September 2015, the OCR announced that the permanent audit program will launch in early 2016. Reports indicate that the OCR has already sent out inquiries to covered entities confirming contact information for possible follow-up.
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HHS Updates Guide to Protecting Electronic Health Information
The Department of Health and Humans Services (HHS) Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) recently released a practical guide designed to help healthcare providers and their service providers better understand and implement privacy and security protections for electronic health information.1 Organizations that handle personal health-related information, even when they are subject to HIPAA regulation, may find the HHS guide to be a source of information on emerging and better practices. This is updated guidance following HHS’s substantial changes to HIPAA regulations through the omnibus rule in early 2013.
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FCC Open Internet Rules Contain Important New Privacy, Data Security, and Transparency Measures
The Federal Communication Commission’s (FCC’s) newly promulgated Open Internet rules (2015 rules)—also known as the net neutrality rules—went into effect on June 12, 2015.1 The new rules apply specifically to broadband Internet access service providers, and not to Internet content, application, and device providers (edge providers). Nonetheless, by design, the rules will have a potentially far-reaching impact on edge providers’ and consumers’ rights and the avenues for redress in the face of harm inflicted by broadband providers. To date, the FCC has yet to receive any formal complaints from companies, though those may well be in the offing, according to some media reports and public statements.2
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