Category: Data Privacy and Security

Artificial Intelligence Algorithms and The Challenges They Pose For Data Privacy*

Algorithms are computer code that forms the heart of all computer software, including artificial intelligence (AI) software.  AI algorithms have the ability to continuously refine their analyses as additional data are introduced to the software. AI algorithms are embedded in a wide range of software now in widespread use for commercial applications such as financial […]

Koons Automotive Company Data Breach: Lessons for Businesses & Consumers*

Jim Koons Automotive Company, a well-established network of car dealerships in this region, currently is working to resolve the impact of a reportedly major data breach. This incident provides important lessons for businesses and consumers alike regarding the challenges associated with effective management of consumer data and appropriate responses to data security breaches. Alliance Law […]

“Overemployment”:  A Legal Challenge for Virtual Workers and Their Employers*

For many years, certain industries, technology for example, have dealt with a work trend characterized as “overemployment.” This is the case where one employee works two full-time jobs simultaneously, and neither employer is aware of the situation. Overemployment raises important legal issues for both the employers and the employees involved, including issues associated with computer […]

The Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act and Contracts With Data Processing Vendors

The Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act (CDPA), which becomes effective on January 1, 2023, includes a requirement that all parties obtaining data processing services from third party vendors must enter into binding written agreements with those service providers. Data processing services include a wide range of services involving the collection, sharing, and analysis of consumer […]

Data Protection Assessments: A New Privacy Tool Established By The Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act*

The Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act (CDPA) establishes a tool known as “data protection assessments” to help safeguard consumer data privacy. Data protection assessments are mandatory for organizations subject to the CDPA when those organizations process consumer data for certain purposes. Data protection assessments are analyses of the relative impact of the proposed data use […]

Preparing for the Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act*

In 2021, the Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act (CDPA) was enacted. It will become effective on January 1, 2023. Structured along the lines of consumer data protection laws previously implemented in the European Union and in California, the CDPA establishes a broad set of data privacy rules intended to help protect personal consumer information. All […]

Cyber-Insurance in the Age of Ransomware*

Today, businesses of all sizes engaged in a wide variety of ventures routinely maintain cyber-insurance, i.e., insurance coverage to protect against digital threats that challenge computers, data, and online presence. Recently, one form of digital threat, ransomware, has become the most popular type of malicious digital conduct threatening businesses around the world. A growing number […]