Latest news with #CIPA
Los Angeles Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Los Angeles Times
What Kinds of Consumer Lawsuits Are Surfacing in 2025?
• California AG hit Healthline with a record $1.55-million CCPA settlement – the largest yet, according to WilmerHale – for failing to honor opt-out requests and misusing health-related data. • Class actions targeting website cookie and tracking violations (under CIPA) are escalating. A recently proposed state bill aimed to curb these was stalled, meaning more cookie-related suits will likely continue, according to Fisher Phillips. • TCPA class action filings in CA have hit historic highs, with more than 80% being class suits. This is putting businesses that undertake automated calls under intense legal pressure, according to Contact Center Compliance. • A growing wave of class actions alleges undisclosed sponsorships. In April alone, suits were filed in California federal courts against brands like Celsius, Revolve, Alo Yoga and Beach Bunny, claiming inflated prices due to hidden influencer-paid promotions, according to Morgan Lewis. • Credit-reporting (FCRA) and debt-collection (FDCPA) claims rose notably in Q1-Q2 2025. Though FDCPA is slightly down year to date, Q1 saw a spike of 27.7% growth; FCRA rose 5.2%, according to the Consumer Financial Services Law Monitor. • Dietary supplement ProSupps USA had its mislabeling case revived. Per the Ninth Circuit, even a single test indicating false nutritional info triggers a class action possibility under California consumer law.• D.A.'s offices cracked down on sunscreens falsely claiming to be 'reef-safe,' settling with Supergoop and Sun Bum; another suit against Edgewell is moving forward. • Disputes over hidden mandatory fees – like undisclosed airport parking charges – aim to apply California's consumer protection laws even in out-of-state transactions, according to Loeb & Loeb. • Big national antitrust suits are also surfacing (Disney streaming ties, for example), though not typically California-specific. • Some new lawsuits challenge AI transcription tools used in customer service as violations of California's wiretap law (CIPA). These suits argue GenAI systems 'eavesdrop' without proper consent, according to Holland & Knight. • Expanding privacy statutes: The CCPA's stronger penalties in 2025 (up to $799/violation), tighter CPRA rules and active enforcement – like the Healthline case – are fueling more lawsuits. • Advancements in tech and new legal theories: GenAI tools and influencer marketing practices are creating novel claims under old laws, such as CIPA and FTC guidelines. • Aggressive class-action strategies: Plaintiffs' lawyers are pushing the boundaries with single-test sufficiency (e.g., ProSupps) and broad class definitions (influencer suits). • Regulatory momentum: California Attorney General Rob Bonta and other local enforcers are proactively enforcing consumer protections, plus reforms to CA financial regulators' (DFPI) oversight.
Business Wire
17-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
The world's Leading! The World Premier Show for Cameras, Photography and Imaging
TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Camera & Imaging Products Association (CIPA) is hosting CP + 2026, the world's premier show for cameras, photography, and imaging. This hybrid event will take place both on-site at Pacifico Yokohama and online. The event will run for four days, from Thursday, February 26 to Sunday, March 1, 2026, with free admission (pre-registration required). We are currently inviting businesses and organizations to exhibit at the event. This year, a new ' Budget Plan ' is available to all exhibitors, making it easier and more cost-effective to participate in the event. Applications will be accepted through Tuesday, September 30. For details and applications, visit the official website: A great opportunity to connect with a diverse audience, from professionals to families, and showcase the appeal of your products and brand! CP + is one of the world's largest camera and imaging equipment shows, where companies in the imaging industry, including camera and lens manufacturers, showcase their latest models and services. Attracting growing global attention, the event welcomes not only professionals and enthusiasts, but also families, women, and young people who enjoy photography and videography. A record 125 businesses and organizations exhibited at the 2025 event with approximately 56,000 visitors (a 12% increase from the previous year) The online event also saw 420,000 attendees (a 27% increase from the previous year), with a total of 2.45 million page views. In recent years, CP + has seen an increasing number of overseas brands, particularly from Asia, showcasing products in areas such as interchangeable lenses and photography accessories. The event has also expanded to include exhibitors specializing in video equipment, astrophotography gear, and imaging-related services, reflecting the growing diversity of participants. With over 35% of visitors planning to purchase products after the event, CP + offers exhibitors an excellent opportunity to introduce their new products and services, boosting sales and brand awareness. It also provides a valuable chance to gather direct user feedback through real-time interactions with visitors. Applicable to all exhibitors! A new, cost-effective Budget Plan is available! For 2026, a new 'Budget Plan' is available to all exhibitors, making it easier and more cost-effective to participate in the event. This compact plan is an ideal option for exhibitors seeking to participate within a limited budget. We are also continuing to offer an early bird discount plan, exclusively for first-time exhibitors. We welcome a wide array of businesses—from camera and accessory manufacturers to companies across diverse sectors engaged in new imaging technologies and ventures—to exhibit. The growing demand for video, the revival of film photography, and the spread of photography culture on social media—experience exciting events where you can explore the latest trends and capture fascinating photos and videos! CP + 2026 will quickly incorporate the growing demand for videography, the popularity of film cameras among young people, and social media trends, offering a variety of events that can be enjoyed by professional photographers, creators, beginners, and families alike. Genkosha's CREATORS EDGE Spring Edition will offer participants the chance to learn practical skills from professionals on the front lines, along with a talk session by the video production platform Vook and a presentation stage featuring photographers and critics. Additionally, there will be plenty of content to enjoy throughout the day, including an experience-based workshop for camera-loving girls and parents to bring their photo and video dreams to life, as well as a PLARAIL diorama exhibition that will captivate both children and adults. Through photos and videos, the event will provide information to help people live a more enjoyable and enriching visual experience. [Key Venue Events] CREATORS EDGE Spring Edition Video Salon is essential reading for video creators, while Commercial Photo is trusted by professional photographers. This event is a collaboration between two magazines from Genkosha, dedicated to video and photo creators. (Presented by Genkosha) Vook Special Feature Vook, one of Japan's largest video creator platforms offering learning, work, and networking opportunities for those in video production, will offer talk sessions focused on AI, short videos (including short dramas), and more. Cat Photo Exhibition @ CP + 2026 The most requested event by visitors, the Cat Photo Exhibition, will be back at CP + 2026! Curated by Toshimitsu Hoshino, cat photos infused with originality will once again captivate audiences with their refreshed charm this year. ZOOMS Photo Exhibition This year, a photo exhibition will once again showcase the winning works of ZOOMS JAPAN, a photo contest designed to discover emerging photographers. The best works of photographers aiming to expand internationally will be showcased. PHOTO KOSHIEN 2025 Final Exhibition of Works for Finalist Selection Panel Sets of photos submitted by high school photography clubs from across the country were carefully selected by a panel of judges. Works from the 18 schools that reached the finals will be exhibited at CP +. Explore the works that showcase the creativity and sensitivity of high school students who have dedicated themselves to photography. Student Club Exhibition Area Photography and video clubs from universities nationwide will gather in one place. Take this opportunity to explore the passionate and creative works of young photographers and videographers, exchange feedback, give advice, and connect with people across generations. PLARAIL Diorama Display The popular large-scale PLARAIL diorama exhibit will also be featured at CP + 2026! Both fun to view and photograph, the spectacular exhibits will captivate fans of all ages, from children to adults. (© TOMY PLARAIL is a registered trademark of Takara Tomy, Ltd.) Hands-On Workshops The event will feature experience-based workshops for female camera enthusiasts and parents to bring their photography and videography dreams to life, with activities that children can also enjoy. In addition, a variety of other events, including world premiere announcements and food trucks, are planned to liven up the venue. [CP + 2026 Event Summary] Event Title: CP + 2026 Schedule: Thursday, February 26 – Sunday, March 1, 2026 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Closes at 5:00 PM on the final day) * Thursday, February 26, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Admission for VIPs and members of the press) Venue: Pacifico Yokohama (Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture) / Online (Hybrid on-site & online event - Online event footage will be available as archive until March 31) Exhibitor Application Deadline: Tuesday, September 30, 2025, 5:00 PM Exhibitor information session and booth allocation lottery: Thursday, October 23, 2025 (online) Visitor Registration Opening: Early December 2025
Malaysian Reserve
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Malaysian Reserve
Human Rights Expert Testifies Before California Legislature, Urges Lawmakers to Reject SB 690 Over Digital Privacy Concerns
SACRAMENTO, Calif., July 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Senate Bill 690 (SB 690) received blistering criticism today as human rights attorney J.R. Howell delivered testimony to the California State Assembly Committee on Public Safety against the bill, which is a proposed amendment to the California Invasion of Privacy Act (CIPA). In his testimony, Howell called the bill 'unconstitutional, unethical, and a direct attack on women, children, workers, immigrants, LGBTQ+ communities, and other vulnerable groups.' If enacted, SB 690 would eliminate the requirement for consent in electronic surveillance, allowing private companies—including major tech corporations and government contractors—to lawfully intercept, analyze, and distribute personal data without user permission. 'SB 690 opens the door to corporate surveillance at a scale the public is not prepared for,' Howell said. 'Private companies would be empowered to record calls, track users' movements, and sell or share sensitive data—including health and reproductive information—with no legal recourse for those affected.' In the wake of the Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization (2022), Howell warned that SB 690 would make it easier for law enforcement and private actors to criminalize reproductive health decisions. Referencing real-world examples, he noted that Facebook has already turned over private user messages to prosecute women and minors seeking abortion care—a scenario that could become far more common under the new legislation. 'We are already witnessing a dangerous convergence of Big Tech and law enforcement,' Howell added. 'SB 690 would give private companies a blank check to cooperate with an increasingly authoritarian federal government in ways that directly violate Californians' rights under our state Constitution.' Howell's testimony also detailed how SB 690 could harm: Children by exposing minors to behavioral tracking and loss of confidentiality in healthcare and education; Workers by enabling employer surveillance that suppresses whistleblowing and union activity; LGBTQ+ individuals by dismantling privacy around gender-affirming care and crisis counseling; Immigrants and communities of color by facilitating warrantless surveillance and discriminatory profiling. The bill, Howell argues, violates Article I, Section 1 of the California Constitution, which guarantees every person the inalienable right to privacy. It also fails the legal standard set in Hill v. NCAA (1994), which requires that any serious invasion of privacy be narrowly tailored to a compelling state interest. 'This bill is not just poorly written—it is unconstitutional on its face,' Howell said. 'Consent is not a bureaucratic obstacle; it is a cornerstone of democracy.' Howell's testimony follows a series of high-profile legal efforts to defend digital privacy and human rights. He recently led a multi-million-dollar class action lawsuit against a major global corporation for data misuse and continues to represent communities targeted by surveillance and exploitation. He is currently producing a documentary about state and corporate overreach into Indigenous communities in Canada. For media inquiries or a copy of Howell's full written testimony, please contact: Jase Lucas, The Excellence AgencyJase@ (323) 897-8656 ABOUT J.R. HOWELL:J.R. Howell is a distinguished US attorney with an international practice specializing in human rights and social justice litigation across the US, Canada, and Europe. As principal attorney at The Law Office of J.R. Howell, he is dedicated to advocating for marginalized communities while embodying integrity and professionalism. With a robust educational background from institutions like The George Washington University and American University's Washington College of Law, J.R. has significant experience both in the US and abroad. His recent multi-million dollar class action lawsuit victories underscore his commitment to justice, while an upcoming case defending reproductive freedoms highlights his advocacy. J.R. actively addresses injustices faced by Indigenous peoples in Canada, focusing on truth and reconciliation regarding residential schools and missing and murdered women and girls. Currently producing a documentary on the MMIWG2s+ movement, he aims to raise awareness through first-person interviews with families of victims. Driven by a passion for justice, J.R. fights to amplify marginalized voices both in the courtroom and through film.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Kajeet Urges House to Support Schools and Libraries Counting on E-Rate Funding for Hotspots
Despite Senate vote, Kajeet commits to Honor E-Rate Pricing MCLEAN, Va., May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Following today's Congressional Review Act (CRA) block of the Federal Communications Commission Wi-Fi hotspots order, which removes E-Rate funding eligibility for these devices, Kajeet®, a leading provider of managed internet solutions for education, expressed confidence the House of Representatives will recognize the profound benefits of hotspots. To continue its mission, Kajeet affirmed its commitment to honoring E-Rate pricing to help schools and libraries secure critical connectivity. While the CRA reversal presents a setback to efforts aimed at funding off-campus student Wi-Fi hotspots through E-Rate, Kajeet encourages the House to carefully consider the compelling data demonstrating the effectiveness and safety of managed hotspots. It is an undeniable reality that over 70% of students rely on out-of-school internet access for homework, underscoring the critical need for reliable home connectivity. The pandemic starkly illuminated the deep disparities that exist, with countless families depending on public Wi-Fi at locations like libraries, hospitals, and even fast-food restaurants to enable their students to complete assignments. 'Every day, teachers across the nation grapple with the challenges faced by students who lack internet access at home, a significant barrier to learning in today's digital world,' said Ben Weintraub, CEO of Kajeet. 'We are resolute in our commitment and want to help these impacted districts and libraries pivot quickly.' Kajeet's solutions prioritize student safety and security with robust content filtering and management tools that comply with educational requirements and the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA). Last year, Kajeet Sentinel blocked billions of student attempts to access TikTok and other non-educational sites. This regulated filtering, with parameters set by school administrators based on grade level, has proven effective. Thousands of schools and libraries across the country applied for hotspot funding this year. It is estimated that this reversal could potentially impact more than 6 million individuals nationwide. As districts and libraries now face the pressing task of identifying alternative funding sources, Kajeet stands firm in its commitment to providing affordable and secure connectivity solutions. 'We fully recognize the significant impact this E-Rate reversal for hotspots will have on districts' carefully laid plans to provide essential off-campus connectivity,' added Weintraub. 'By honoring E-Rate pricing, we aim to provide immediate stability and empower districts to continue their indispensable programs without disruption, ensuring that no student is left behind.' To take advantage of this limited E-Rate offer, please visit our website. About Kajeet: Kajeet provides optimized IoT connectivity, software and hardware solutions that deliver safe, reliable, and controlled internet connectivity to nearly 3,000 businesses, schools and districts, state, and local governments. Kajeet's award-winning management platform, Sentinel®, includes visibility into real-time data usage, policy control management, custom content filters for added security, and multi-network flexibility. Since 2003, Kajeet has helped thousands of organizations connect over a million devices around the world. To learn more, visit Media Contact: Linda Jennings, Kajeet Corporate Communications 248-521-3606 ljennings@
Asharq Al-Awsat
16-04-2025
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Trump Administration Proposes Scrapping UN Peacekeeping Funding
The White House budget office has proposed eliminating funding for United Nations peacekeeping missions, citing failures by operations in Mali, Lebanon and Democratic Republic of Congo, according to internal planning documents seen by Reuters. Washington is the UN's largest contributor - with China second - accounting for 22% of the $3.7 billion core regular UN budget and 27% of the $5.6 billion peacekeeping budget. These payments are mandatory. The proposed peacekeeping cuts are included in a so-called "Passback," the response by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to State Department funding requests for the upcoming fiscal year, which begins on October 1. The overall plan wants to slash the State Department budget by about half. The new budget must be approved by Congress, and lawmakers could decide to restore some or all of the funding the administration has proposed cutting. The State Department was due to respond to the OMB proposal on Tuesday. During US President Donald Trump's first term he proposed cutting about a third of diplomacy and aid budgets. But Congress, which sets the federal government budget, pushed back on Trump's proposal. "There is no final plan, final budget," State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce told reporters on Tuesday when asked about the OMB proposals. The OMB has proposed ending Contributions for International Peacekeeping Activities (CIPA). "For example, Passback provides no funding for CIPA, ending contributions for international peacekeeping due to the recent failures in peacekeeping, such as with MINUSMA, UNIFIL, and MONUSCO, and the disproportionately high level of assessments," according to an excerpt from the Passback. US IN ARREARS The United Nations peacekeeping budget funds nine missions in Mali, Lebanon, Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Western Sahara, Cyprus, Kosovo, between Syria and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights and Abyei, an administrative area that is jointly run by South Sudan and Sudan. The OMB Passback also proposed the creation of a $2.1 billion America First Opportunities Fund (A1OF), which it said would be used to cover a limited set of foreign economic and development assistance priorities. "Should the Administration seek to pay any assessments for the United Nations Regular Budget or peacekeeping assessments, we would look to provide that funding from the A1OF," read the OMB Passback. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric on Tuesday declined to comment on "what appears to be a leaked memo that is part of an internal debate within the US government." The US owes - for arrears and the current fiscal year - nearly $1.5 billion for the regular UN budget and nearly $1.2 billion for the peacekeeping budget. A country can be up to two years in arrears before facing the possible repercussion of losing its vote in the 193-member General Assembly. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres last month said he is seeking ways to improve efficiency and cut costs as the world body turns 80 this year amid a cash crisis.
