Privacy

Victory for Privacy: U.S. Court Rules Against Treasury Sanctions on Crypto Privacy Tool, Upholding Key Rights for Developers and Users

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In a recent ruling by the Fifth Circuit Court, the U.S. Treasury’s sanctions on Tornado Cash, a privacy-focused smart contract tool, were found to be illegal, marking a significant victory for the cryptocurrency industry and advocates of digital privacy. Tornado Cash had been previously sanctioned on allegations that it facilitated illegal activities due to its ability to anonymize cryptocurrency transactions. This landmark case highlights ongoing debates surrounding technology, privacy, and regulation. The court’s decision clarified that immutable smart contracts, such as those used by Tornado Cash, do not constitute property that can be sanctioned; they … Read more

Federal Judge Upholds Monitoring Rule for Maine Lobstermen, Rejects Privacy Concerns

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A federal judge in Maine has ruled in favor of a state regulation that mandates monitoring devices on the boats of federally permitted lobster fishermen, rejecting a lawsuit from a group of lobstermen who claimed the rule infringed their constitutional rights. The regulation, which has been in effect for over a year, aims to track the location of lobster boats at sea. The lawsuit was initiated by five lobstermen who argued that the requirement for monitors was a violation of their rights to privacy, equal protection, and due process. They contended that the installation of … Read more

Montana Enacts New Comprehensive Data Privacy Law; California and FCC Strengthen Consumer Protections

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WASHINGTON — A sweeping series of new data privacy regulations and enforcement actions have recently taken effect across the United States, reflecting a growing emphasis on consumer and data protection at both the state and federal levels. These measures range from state-specific privacy laws and sweeping federal rules around cybersecurity and data dealings to penalties against corporations for lapses in safeguarding consumer information. The Montana Consumer Data Privacy Act, modeling after laws in Colorado, Connecticut, Virginia, and Utah, began on October 1, 2024. This regulation enhances protections for state residents, excluding those in commercial or … Read more

European Court Strikes Down Russian ‘Foreign Agent’ Law, Citing Violations of Expression and Privacy Rights

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STRASBOURG, France — In a significant ruling, the European Court of Human Rights condemned Russia’s legislation that classifies NGOs, media organizations, and individuals as “foreign agents,” finding the laws overly vague and infringing upon freedom of expression and privacy rights. This decision underscored the growing international concern over such regulations that target civil society groups. The case, termed “Kobaliya and Others v. Russia,” involved 107 applicants including NGOs and private individuals, who argued that their designation as ‘foreign agents’ under Russian law hampered their rights to free expression. ARTICLE 19, a group advocating for freedom … Read more