Insights

FTC Orders BetterHelp to Pay $7.8M in AdTech Ruling

The FTC recently filed its second enforcement action related to web tracking tools (AdTech) and the unauthorized disclosure of health information for advertising and third parties’ independent uses. The Complaint and Consent Order against BetterHelp, Inc. (“BetterHelp”), an online counseling service provider, allege that BetterHelp shared consumers’ sensitive mental health information with Facebook, Snapchat, and Pinterest for targeted advertising purposes. Notably, this is the first FTC action that involves a fine ($7.8M) in order to return funds to consumers whose health data was compromised. 

Managing AdTech Risk When Capturing Sensitive Information

Pixels and Cookies and Webbugs, Oh My! Artificial Intelligence, big data and sophisticated analytics capabilities have created an explosion in Adtech, allowing companies and other institutions to better connect with their audience. However, the use of AdTech has also created a number of legal and regulatory concerns,  particularly for healthcare, financial institutions, life sciences companies, and others that may capture sensitive information. Join Choate and Secretariat for a live webinar on Tuesday, April 12th at 12:00 p.m. EST that explores these webtools, why AdTech risk should be on your priority list, and what companies can do to manage this risk.

Apex HCM, Serent Capital Portfolio Company, Acquired by IRIS Software Group

Choate represented Apex HCM, a portfolio company of Serent Capital, in its acquisition by IRIS Software Group, a leading global software provider of accountancy and payroll solutions.

Beware of Trademark Phone Phishing

Increasingly, trademark customers are experiencing "spoofing" phone calls from scammers using fake caller ID information and falsely claiming to be from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in an effort to try to steal money or personal information.

FTC Enforces Health Breach Notification Rule for the First Time

GoodRx, a prescription drug discount service provider, faces $1.5 million in civil penalties for disclosing individuals’ health data to advertisers and advertising platforms such as Facebook and Google.

2022 BBA Privacy & Cybersecurity Conference Takeaways

Our team has compiled the key takeaways from this year's Boston Bar Association Privacy & Cybersecurity Conference, where attendees heard from top privacy, cybersecurity and digital law practitioners and industry experts on the latest trends and cybersecurity topics.

New OCR Bulletin Calls for Review of Website Tool Use by Covered Entities

For the first time, the HHS Office for Civil Rights (“OCR”) has issued specific guidance on the use of website tracking/AdTech tools by covered entities. The new HIPAA Privacy Rule, “Use of Online Tracking Technologies by HIPAA Covered Entities and Business Associates,” published on December 1, 2022 and is an important development. 

Adam Bookbinder Speaking at 2022 Boston Bar Association Privacy & Cybersecurity Conference

Adam Bookbinder, Co-Chair of the Government Enforcement & Compliance practice, will be speaking at the Boston Bar Association's Privacy & Cybersecurity Conference on Thursday, December 8th at 4:30 p.m. The conference features top cybersecurity, privacy, and digital law practitioners and business leaders discussing surveillance technology, data transfer and transactions, and the recent U.S. v. Sullivan decision.

Adam Bookbinder Named Go To Cybersecurity and Data Privacy Lawyer

Adam Bookbinder has been named a 2022 "Go To Lawyer for Cybersecurity and Data Privacy" by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly.