Center for Law, Tech, and Social Good

?? Don't miss out on our upcoming webinar! ?? Latin America holds a unique position in today's era of techno-optimism and policy diffusion. The influence of policy decisions across interconnected societies is undeniable, especially due to technology's global reach. Join us on ?? Wednesday, March 19 ?? for an insightful webinar featuring Professor María Belén Albornoz, the Center's current International Affiliated Scholar. She will delve into the intricate dynamics of power, governance, and historical context in "The Social Impact of Emerging Technology in Latin America: a Conversation with Professor María Belén Albornoz." This webinar is open to the public and will be held from 9:00-10:00AM PST via Zoom. Secure your spot by registering at the following link. #Webinar #LatinAmerica #TechnologyImpact #Governance #PolicyInfluence #TechPolicy

Hot off the press! Kudos to Charles Belle, our Filecoin Foundation for the Decentralized Web Teaching Fellow, for leading the Blockchain Legislative Definition Project. See the press release below to learn more ??

??Student Highlight: Erika Buenrostro?? Erika, a 2L University of San Francisco School of Law student, recently had her work on #blockchain and #consumerprotection published by the Center for Law, Tech, and Social Good! In her article, Erika analyzes the evolving landscape of blockchain and #dataprivacy law, specifically examining Governor Gavin Newsom’s amendments to the California Consumer Protection Act (#CCPA), set to take effect on January 1, 2025. She interprets the legal significance of terms like "abstract digital formats" and "encrypted files" within the Act, exploring their implications for businesses leveraging #blockchain technology.?Amid growing public distrust in centralized data handling and President Trump’s promotion of blockchain technology, Erika develops a CCPA compliance framework that balances #innovation, regulatory compliance, and consumer privacy. The framework aims to empower businesses and market cooperation while safeguarding consumer rights. Erika also addresses the challenge of aligning blockchain #compliance with the CCPA’s “right to deletion” and proposes a solution through a permissioned blockchain model to fulfill this requirement.?She advocates for a consumer-driven approach to data handling, emphasizing consumer control over their digital identity. This will permit marketing agencies to utilize publicly available data with explicit user consent. Furthermore, she advocates for the establishment of a national regulatory framework or enhanced interstate collaboration to address the complexities of privacy compliance for blockchain-based businesses. Interested in diving deeper? Erika Buenrostro's comprehensive article can be accessed through the link provided below. ??

?? Does #blockchain hold the solution for faster and more efficient international aid? ?? Our latest "But Why Blockchain?" interview with Coala Pay answers this question and provides clear examples of #web3 being used for #socialgood. "Traditional financial infrastructure was not built for international aid. We’re working across borders and moving money into places that already have very limited financial infrastructure. Blockchain’s decentralized nature offers transformative potential for the sector: it’s faster, cheaper, and, in some cases, more reliable than traditional banking. Blockchain’s immutability and traceability are key for foreign aid, enabling transparent and auditable transactions that meet the rigorous demands of compliance and reporting." Read the full profile at the link below. #InternationalAid #TechForGood #SocialImpact #USF

??Student Highlight: Kaitlyn Chambers?? Throughout the previous summer and current academic year, Kaitlyn has been actively engaged in exploring the realm of blockchain law through her role as a Research Assistant at the Center for Law, Tech, and Social Good under Prof. Charles Belle's guidance. During the summer, Kaitlyn delved into the intersection of #NFTs and #copyrightlaw, specifically analyzing the applicability of the first sale doctrine to NFTs and PFP NFTs. Transitioning into the fall, her focus shifted towards studying #cryptocurrency legislation and #regulation at both state and federal levels. Notably, she developed a comprehensive database to monitor significant cryptocurrency court cases and federal enforcement measures. Currently, Kaitlyn is involved in the Blockchain Municipal Microbond Project, where she is researching the regulatory landscape governing microbond issuance in California. Her work with the Center has greatly enriched her law school experience, introducing her to an exciting area of law and equipping her with unique skills and knowledge in emerging technology law. Through her research, classes, and interactions with legal professions at the Center, Kaitlyn has found a path toward a career in tech law. Reflecting on her experience, Kaitlyn shared, "When I started law school, I thought it would be difficult to break into the field of technology and blockchain without a technical background—and I knew very little about blockchain technology in general—but Professors Michele Neitz and Charles Belle have shown me the important role?legal professionals play in #blockchain and #technology. I’m grateful to the Center for the opportunity to explore and learn about this dynamic field, and I’m excited to be stepping into a career in this space." The Center is thrilled to continue working with Kaitlyn throughout the Spring semester as she continues to show dedication and intellectual curiosity to the field of #techlaw.

On Wednesday, February 26, the Center hosted a captivating panel, "The Digital Makeover of Fashion Law," where students, faculty, staff, and alumni delved into the legal implications of emerging technologies in the fashion industry. Moderated by Nanaki Dhesi and Chika Amene, the event showcased insightful discussions led by three distinguished panelists: ?? Emilie Lavirotte of Sephora ?? Jordan Hameen of Perkins Coie LLP ?? Zachary TOCZY?SKI of Levi Strauss & Co. Key insights and takeaways include: ?? How AI can be useful for trademark registrations and clearances. ??? Looking at AI not just from the copyright perspective, but also for the risks AI can pose to existing trademarks. ???? Despite diverse industry representation, our panelists agree on three things: No two days ever look the same, there is no shortage of need for their positions, and the fashion & beauty industries are at the forefront of emerging technologies. Special thanks to Levi Strauss & Co., #FashionLaw, Intellectual Property and Technology Law Journal,?and #BusinessLawAssociation for their collaboration in making this event such a success. Interested in the convergence of fashion, IP, and technology? Stay tuned for the Intellectual Property and Technology Law Journal's curated issue in late spring, focusing on these compelling topics. Follow their page for updates. For more on our interdisciplinary events at University of San Francisco School of Law, follow the Center for Law, Tech, and Social Good. #FashionTech #FashionLaw #IP #TechLaw #USFLawSchool #InterdisciplinaryEvents

The Center's new Affiliated Faculty member, Moira Gunn, is also a host for NPR podcast #BioTechNation! Check out her latest podcast featuring Ari Azhir ?? Center for Law, Tech, and Social Good at the University of San Francisco School of Law

Great to see this publication about #blockchain, #inclusion, and #ESG in Brazil from the Center for Law, Tech, and Social Good's Affiliated Scholar Thiago Amparo and Paola Mineiro in the USF Law Review Forum! Thank you Kaitlin Donovan and Filecoin Foundation for the Decentralized Web for supporting our International Affiliated Scholars Program. ??

The arrival of #DeepSeek reinvigorates conversations around the democratization of #AI and #regulation. Read our Center Director's thoughts on the current landscape of #innovation, #democratization, and its potential for #socialgood on the Justia Verdict blog below to learn more:

As #AI and #blockchain cases begin to reach federal courts, how we prepare for them becomes more and more important. Listen to Center Director Michele Neitz discuss the importance of building #Tech Courts on the most recent episode of Berkeley Technology Law Journal's podcast below ??