Hosch & Morris, PLLC

Security, Privacy, and Power: We're witnessing a critical moment where institutional safeguards are being systematically dismantled just as AI technologies reach unprecedented power. Our latest blog post examines why this matters: - How institutional erosion creates immediate cybersecurity and privacy vulnerabilities; - Why AI magnifies these concerns exponentially; - Our constitutional duty as attorneys to respond; - The disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations; and - How respect and human dignity must remain central to governance. When privacy, security and consumer protections weaken and oversight mechanisms disappear, who stands for the rule of law? Read our perspective on why this moment demands action from the legal community: https://lnkd.in/g9kWAsqt

Is the era of AI-washing coming to an end? This week, let’s consider the Texas Attorney General‘s investigation into DeepSeek’s AI claims, marking a decisive shift and how state regulators approach artificial intelligence marketing. In our latest blog post, we break down: - Why the “magical early days” of unchallenged AI claims are over; - How federal and state regulators are coordinating enforcement actions; - The triple threat of exaggerated AI claims, privacy violations, and national security concerns; - AI due diligence steps your business should implement now; and - Why model cards and specific contractual provisions are no longer optional. Read more: https://lnkd.in/git46JMr

Behind the Efficiency Veil: This week, let’s highlight Wired's critical reporting on Elon Musk's DOGE, which has gained unprecedented access to federal IT systems with virtually no oversight. History has shown how centralized information collection enables authoritarian control. But today's algorithmic systems operate at unprecedented scale and speed—all under the banner of "efficiency." Read more to understand what's at stake for privacy, the rule of law, and democratic governance: https://lnkd.in/gUyBTV9c

Hosch & Morris PLLC has been recognized as one of Texas’ top boutique law firms for Intellectual Property work in the 2025 Chambers Spotlight Texas Regional Guide. We are honored to be included for the second consecutive year, and so appreciative of the support of our clients and legal community. Read more about the firm's recognition: https://lnkd.in/gTx5kqPi

Precedent or Censorship? This week, let’s consider how a Mississippi judge’s order forcing a local newspaper to remove an editorial critical of the City Council represents a troubling challenge to First Amendment protections, highlighting growing tensions between public officials and press freedom in an era of declining institutional trust. Read more on our Privacy Plus+ blog: https://lnkd.in/gC7Y76bQ

The Shifting Landscape of AI Security: As the U.S. dismantles key AI safety protocols in 2025, we examine the profound implications of abandoning EO 14110's comprehensive framework. What happens when speed trumps safety in AI development? Read more: https://lnkd.in/gDEgR9VH

CFPB Freeze Leaves Data Broker Regulations in Limbo: The CFPB's December 2024 proposal to classify data brokers as "consumer reporting agencies" faces an uncertain future. This pause leaves businesses navigating complex state-by-state privacy regulations without federal guidance. Read more: https://lnkd.in/g9CFnyky #PrivacyPlus+

A Texas appeals court's ruling that Google—despite its 35-floor Austin tower, $1.2B in data centers, and 5,500 Texas employees—is beyond the reach of Texas courts for allegedly deceptive privacy practices spotlights a challenge: How can states protect their citizens when tech giants become "too big to sue" locally? Read our analysis of this landmark case and its implications for tech accountability on our blog: https://lnkd.in/gKPAcsPU

U.S. Cyber Trust Mark: Where are we? This week, let’s look at the future of IoT cybersecurity. The U.S. Cyber Trust Mark, a new certification for secure smart devices, is making strides but faces uncertainty. Designed to help consumers identify safer IoT products (like door cameras, fitness trackers, and appliances), the Mark is modeled after programs like Energy Star. With NIST setting standards and Underwriters Laboratory leading testing protocols, the program aims to roll out in 2025. However, recent changes in administration have left its future unclear. Will this initiative remain voluntary, or will stricter mandates be enforced? Read more on our blog Privacy Plus+: https://lnkd.in/guxFTebr

AI Marketing Claims Under FTC Scrutiny: Two recent FTC enforcement actions signal heightened scrutiny of AI product marketing. Our new year kicks off with a blog post examining: + The gap between AI marketing hype and reality + Why "having AI" isn't enough + The often-forgotten Prior Substantiation Rule + Practical takeaways from recent FTC actions Key insight: Companies must substantiate AI capability claims before making them. Good intentions or eventual validation won't shield you from FTC enforcement. Read our post here: https://lnkd.in/dUwEFWA3 #PrivacyPlus+