?? LWIL #89: Cars Reading Texts, Stalker Scams Verizon, 3D Printer Laws, and More
What's on the docket this week:
Featured Story
Threats in the Courts
In response to a recent surge in threats and violent incidents targeting courts and judges, law enforcement officials and court administrators across the United States are intensifying their focus on court security. Incidents such as the shooting at the Colorado Supreme Court, the attack on a Nevada judge, and numerous bomb threats have prompted a national discussion on enhancing courtroom safety. The National Sheriff’s Association, led by Sheriff James Brown, plans to meet next month to strategize on the optimal placement of officers in courtrooms and address resource constraints. New York's court system, for instance, reported a significant increase in judicial threats in 2023. Courts are seeking additional resources and personnel to bolster security, especially as political tensions rise ahead of the 2024 elections.
?? IP/Transactional
Utah Brewery vs. Mormon Church
Bewilder Brewing Co., a Salt Lake brewery, is discontinuing its Deseret IPA due to a trademark-related complaint from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The brewery had registered the trademark in August, but after the church and affiliated entities filed as potential opposers, Bewilder abandoned the trademark in November. The church expressed concern about potential marketplace confusion and, as an organization opposing alcohol use, wanted to avoid any association with beer. Despite historical ties to alcohol production in the state, the church objected to the beer, emphasizing that its members would not expect the Church to release such a product. The term "Deseret" has historical significance from the Book of Mormon, meaning "honey bee," and was once proposed as the name for Utah. The brewery sees this change as an opportunity to introduce a more modern-style beer in the future.
?? Litigation
Automakers Intercepting Texts
A federal judge in Seattle has rejected the reinstatement of a class-action lawsuit alleging privacy law violations by Honda, Toyota, Volkswagen, and General Motors. The lawsuit claimed that these auto manufacturers violated Washington state's privacy laws by using on-board infotainment systems to record and intercept customers' private text messages and call logs. The judge ruled that the interception and recording of mobile phone activity did not meet the Washington Privacy Act's standard for an illegal privacy violation, requiring a threat to "business, person, or reputation." This decision is a significant victory for the automakers facing related class-action suits. One case against Ford had been previously dismissed on appeal. The lawsuits highlight concerns about automakers selling car owners' data to advertisers as a revenue-boosting tactic, amid the increasing use of sensors in cars with little regulation.
?? Legaltech
Verizon Gave Data To Armed Stalker
An FBI affidavit revealed that Verizon Wireless inadvertently provided a stalking suspect, Robert Michael Glauner, with a victim's address and phone logs. Glauner, pretending to be a police officer, deceived Verizon by sending a fraudulent email and fake search warrant to obtain confidential phone records, leading to the disclosure of sensitive information. The victim had initially met Glauner on a dating-oriented porn website, and after their online relationship ended, he continued to contact and threaten her. The affidavit detailed Glauner's attempts to access the victim's data, his subsequent arrest near her home, and the discovery of incriminating items in his possession, including a knife and drugs. Verizon, despite its Security Assistance Team processes, failed to recognize the fraudulent request. Glauner now faces charges related to stalking, fraud, and other offenses in both North Carolina and California.
领英推荐
?? Criminal/Politics
Supreme Court Weighs In On Homelessness
The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case questioning the constitutionality of municipal ordinances that prohibit homeless individuals from camping on public property, with a focus on whether such measures violate protections against "cruel and unusual punishment." The case originates from a 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling in 2022 that found anti-camping ordinances in Grants Pass, Oregon, unconstitutional under the Eighth Amendment. The ruling, which applies to nine states within the circuit's jurisdiction, has faced criticism and sparked concerns about the judiciary's role in addressing homelessness. Local officials from cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco are seeking a Supreme Court reversal of the appeals court decision. The case highlights the ongoing debate on balancing public safety concerns with constitutional protections for homeless individuals.
?? Finance/Econ/Regulatory
New York 3D Printer Background Check
New York residents seeking to purchase a 3D printer may face a criminal background check under a proposed state bill aimed at closing a loophole exploited by convicted felons. The bill proposal, written by senator Rajkumar, aims to address concerns about a growing trend where convicted felons, barred from legally acquiring firearms, turn to 3D printing to create untraceable "ghost guns." The bill would require a background check for those attempting to buy such 3D printers and prohibit sales to individuals with disqualifying criminal histories. While the bill does not specify particular makes or models, it broadly defines a three-dimensional printer as a device producing objects from a digital model. The proposal follows a national surge in ghost gun recoveries, with states like Hawaii, Delaware, and New Jersey already enacting legislation against 3D-printed firearms. Critics argue that such regulations could face challenges related to the First and Second Amendments.
?? Ethics
FYI - For Judges, Don’t Tell Counsel To Suck Celebrities’ D**k
Discipline: Judge resigned.
Until next week, adjourned.
Keith & Tracey
p.s. - please send me your stories, news, & tips for inclusion in future editions [email protected]
Privacy in the digital age demands vigilance ???. Like Marcus Aurelius observed, our actions echo beyond intentions. In fostering innovation, integrity is non-negotiable. #digitalprivacy #ethicsinbusiness
The implications of this case highlight the critical need for stringent verification processes to prevent such alarming breaches of privacy and trust.