As reported in our earlier post, the U.S. Government has begun its first ever auction of Bitcoins. The Bitcoins to be auctioned were seized in connection with the shutdown of the Silk Road – the “dark net” site that served as a marketplace for illegal goods. The U.S. Marshals Service…
Internet & Social Media Law Blog
California Issues Recommendations for Privacy Policies
The California Attorney General recently published recommendations for developing meaningful privacy policies that comply with the California Online Privacy Protection Act of 2003 (CalOPPA), including recommendations for complying with “Do Not Track” disclosure requirements. According to the Attorney General, a meaningful privacy policy is one that addresses significant data collection…
FTC Calls for Action on Big Data
Following an 18-month investigation into the practices and operations of data brokers, the Federal Trade Commission has issued a voluminous report calling for legislation to regulate the industry in the interests of consumer privacy. The report, called Data Brokers: A Call for Transparency and Accountability, identifies “data brokers” as “companies…
He Said, She Said, They Said
More and more federal and state agencies are weighing in on virtual currency. Here’s what they are saying: Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN): FinCEN Statement on Providing Banking Services to Money Services Businesses (Nov. 10, 2014) Request for Administrative Ruling on the Application of FinCEN’s Regulations to a Virtual Currency Payment…
The Real Issues with Virtual Currency: April 22, 2014
Join members of Pillsbury’s leading Virtual Currency practice, partners, James Gatto, and Deborah Thoren-Peden, to understand and analyze some of the key legal and business issues related to Bitcoin and other crypto-currencies. This webinar will highlight the history of Bitcoin and other digital currencies and associated unique business models. They…
IRS Issues Significant Convertible Virtual Currency Ruling – Bitcoin Community Abuzz
The IRS has issued its first major ruling on the U.S. federal tax implications of transactions in, or transactions that use, Bitcoin and other convertible virtual currencies. The ruling stresses that it relates to convertible virtual currencies. The legal landscape with respect to Bitcoin and other convertible virtual currency continues…
Inside Bitcoins
Explore the Future of Bitcoins After taking Inside Bitcoins to Las Vegas this past winter, this definitive Bitcoin event is returning to New York City, April 7-8 at the Javits Convention Center. Join us in New York City as our industry experts, business visionaries, and virtual currency veterans converge to…
Mt. Gox’s Bankruptcy Case Will Be Unlike Any Other
Originally seen in MoneyBeat – a Wall Street Journal blog. One thing we can tell you about the Mt. Gox bankruptcy case: It won’t be like any other bankruptcy case you’ve seen. MoneyBeat had a very enlightening and interesting talk with Christopher Mirick, a partner at the international law firm Pillsbury…
Ever Lost — or Worse Yet, Had Stolen — a Smart Phone, Laptop, Tablet, Etc.?
Many of us have been focused on cyber-security, especially in the wake of the recent data breaches over the holidays, among other things. Two Maryland Law Enforcement Officers are leveraging the power of social media and the Internet to enable you to “Secure What’s Yours.” In 2013, acting on their vision, they introduced an innovative…
National Cybersecurity Framework Released – Has Your Organization Considered the Implications?
On February 12, 2014, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) released the final version of its Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity (the “Cybersecurity Framework” or “Framework“) and the companion NIST Roadmap for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity (Roadmap). The final version is the result of a year-long development process which…