Posted inLawsuits

Fight for Freedom

A modern workspace with a desktop computer, laptop, and tablet on a wooden desk. A lamp is illuminated, and a smartphone lies nearby. The desktop screen displays a cluttered desktop. A plant is partially visible in the foreground.
Technological impacts

In Texas, a newly introduced TikTok ban and its apparent subsequent restraints on the ability to exercise full academic freedom is the subject of a recent lawsuit filed by the group, The Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University.  Academic freedom not only affords the opportunity for professors to conduct research and teach an array of topics and ideas without the fear of censure, but also allows students to engage in thought processes and debates without the anxiety of potential retaliation.  The lawsuit names Texas Governor Greg Abbott and additional state entities and public university personnel as defendants. 

2 minutes
Posted inSettlements

Dressing Up a New Code

Three hands holding different beverages: two cups of latte with leaf patterns in the foam, and a glass of iced coffee. They are clinking their drinks together over a wooden table. Black saucers are visible in the background.
Coffee code

Nashville hot chicken, New Orleans beignets, Chicago deep-dish pizza, and Seattle coffee are some of the most well known regionally accredited delicacies in the United States. The method of delivery or presentation is often synonymous with its consumable counterpart. About a half hour from Seattle, a town called Everett, Washington is known for its drive-up coffee shacks, as well as a recent court ruling that admonishes a dress code impacting these establishments. In response to the 2017 passing of the code, employees, referred to as bikini baristas, filed a lawsuit, citing constitutional violations and an attack on women’s rights.

2 minutes
Posted inLawsuits

Chewed Out in Court

An empty classroom with rows of desks and chairs facing a green chalkboard. A teacher's desk is positioned in front of the board. A map hangs on the wall to the right, and the floor is shiny and light-colored.
Learning denied?

It is the hope that schools may make reasonable accommodations to ensure the success and progression of all students. The Americans with Disabilities Act is an added measure that aims to protect the civil rights of those who may suffer from disabilities or debilitating conditions. In the case of a ninth grade student at L&N Stem Academy in Knox County, Tennessee, there is speculation regarding the level of accommodations needed to allow her to enjoy a complete academic experience. According to the lawsuit, the student has been denied about half of her classroom time and has suffered from emotional and physical exhaustion.

2 minutes
Posted inSettlements

Facebook Settles for a Brighter Future

A smartphone screen displaying a folder labeled "Social media" with icons for Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. The phone is angled slightly and has a dark background.
Recognize this?

Illinois Facebook users are finding some relief in the most recent legal settlement against the social media company.  According to Illinois law, companies may not collect facial recognition information and data without prior consent of the detected individual.  One of Facebook’s features tags photos through the use of software that distinguishes facial similarities.  The lawsuit reached class action status and was originally filed in 2015.  Claimants argued that Facebook did not obtain prior authorization of Illinois residents who use Facebook.  Instead the social media company implemented the feature as a default for users.

2 minutes
Posted inLawsuits

What’s Going on With WhatsApp

A smartphone displaying its home screen with various app icons including Messages, Photos, Camera, Google Maps, Facebook, and Instagram. The time displayed on the phone is 15:47. The phone is placed on a light-colored surface.
Risking privacy for security

Earlier this year, WhatsApp users were under surveillance.  Almost 1,500 people in 20 countries who downloaded the app were affected.  In response to NSO Group previously installing malware on the cellular devices of the users, the communication app company, WhatsApp has taken legal action.  The lawsuit cites NSO Group as violating the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act.  The Israel-based company targeted known journalists, human rights activists, female leaders, and their families, under the guise of protecting citizens and preventing crime and terrorism.  The individuals who were placed under surveillance were not named in the lawsuit.

2 minutes