Author Archives: Kevin Maher

About Kevin Maher

Time to Go Mobile as Judge Rules Against NSA

Time to plug the leak?

More than a few years ago, the term “phone-mining” probably meant nothing to anyone. Nowadays, it has become one of the most controversial topics all over the United States, including our federal courts. A recent ruling states that the acquisition of data through mobile phones, including cell phone numbers and and timestamps, is unconstitutional. The case itself, Klayman v. Obama (13-cv-881), was heard in Washington D.C. under Judge Richard Leon. This private collection of data was leaked by former NSA contractor and controversial figure Edward Snowden, who is currently living in Russia under temporary asylum. Read more

Collateral Damage: Man Sues Bank After Collapse

Lock it up

Ever forget to make a payment or remember you owe money on a bill and have a panic attack? Something similar happened to 61 year-old John Stecher on his last visit to the bank, and as a result, the man collapsed from a heart attack. After receiving calls about a missed mortgage payment, Mr. Stecher walked into the Bank of America in Chartlotte, NC in attempts to get the situation straightened out. The bank stood by the assumption that they did not receive his payment, to which John became stressed out and experienced a heart attack. The man is now suing for $10,000, according to his lawyer Paul Goodson. Read more

Sony Presses Reset Button, Avoids Lawsuit

Play on, player

A few years ago, Sony’s free-to-play online service, known as the Playstation Network, was compromised by a rogue group of hackers. Personal and private data, including credit card information, was stolen from about 70 million PSN users. A class action was filed immediately in San Diego, California as Sony scrambled to stop the bleeding. Luckily for this entertainment giant, the hot-button lawsuit has been dismissed. Unfortunately for the Playstation 3 faithful, a judge has decided to have the case thrown out, citing Sony’s Privacy Policy, which all PSN users agree to, being compliant with the consumer protection laws. Read more

Blacklisted? Investors Rally Against Blackberry

Sweet or sour?

Blackberry’s tough times continue as their shareholders cry foul. In a recent class-action lawsuit, thousands of investors claim that they were misled by the company’s lofty sales expectations. Many are complaining that the company failed to compete with industry leaders Google and Apple (let alone Microsoft). The lawsuit includes a number of those who bought stock in Blackberry over the past calendar year. Unhappy campers are furious that they mistakenly placed their faith in the wrong smartphone/technology movement and are seeking damages. Read more

Game Over for Software Store’s Re-Selling

A professional headshot

It appears that a popular video game retailer is playing some games of their own. GameStop (NYSE: GME), whose headquarters is in Grapevine TX, has been named in a class-action lawsuit in regards to the selling of used video games without including all of the downloadable content, or DLC. When purchasing a new video game, a special unique keycode is included that allows the purchaser access to new features, such as new weapons, enhanced features, or updated rosters. The class-action states that since anyone who buys a used game does not have access to the keycode, and GameStop does not strictly state this, they are in violation of the Consumer Fraud Act. The suit was filed in New Jersey as each plaintiff is seeking about $10-$15 per game in locations across the state from Fall 2010 to Summer 2012. Read more