American Universities Under Siege By Cyberattacks

California has enacted a groundbreaking AI disclosure law requiring advertisers to clearly identify when synthetic performers appear in their marketing materials. The legislation, set to take effect in 2027, includes a private right of enforcement that could potentially open the door to class action litigation against brands using AI-generated performers without proper disclosure.

On July 22, 2026, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) adopted a Third Report and Order and Third Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (covered separately here) in which the Commission advances its ongoing efforts to secure the U.S.

On September 10, 2026, Governor Newsom signed SB 1119, known as Adam’s Law, substantially expanding California’s requirements for companion chatbots when used by children.

The Federal Communications Commission has adopted sweeping new restrictions targeting equipment containing components from entities on its Covered List, fundamentally reshaping how manufacturers, online marketplaces, and equipment modifiers must approach FCC compliance. These rules establish unprecedented prohibitions on logic-bearing hardware components, impose strict display requirements for e-commerce platforms, and clarify when existing authorizations can support equipment modifications.

C-PACE lending has become an important and fast-growing sub-specialty in our hotel finance capabilities. We work with C-PACE providers/lenders and borrowers.

California has enacted the nation's most comprehensive online child safety legislation, banning addictive social media features for minors under 16, establishing strict companion chatbot regulations, and imposing enhanced civil penalties for platforms that harm children. Companies operating social media platforms or chatbots accessible to California children must now assess their products, audit features, and prepare compliance programs ahead of the laws' effective dates.

The Federal Communications Commission is seeking public feedback on modernizing its accessibility framework to address rapid changes in consumer technology. The draft Notice of Proposed Rulemaking examines whether existing rules keep pace with today's communications marketplace or inadvertently hinder innovation in accessibility solutions.

FEMA and the FCC will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System on November 17, 2026, requiring participation from all radio and television stations, cable systems, and satellite services. EAS Participants must file three separate forms through the EAS Test Reporting System, with specific deadlines ranging from October 30, 2026, through January 2027. Certain translator and repeater stations are exempt from the registration and filing requirements.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has released a draft order that would end recognition of equipment testing laboratories in mainland China and other countries lacking reciprocal arrangements with the United States.

In a fax lawsuit involving allegations against AT&T Mobility LLC and AT&T Mobility National Accounts LLC ("AT&T") for violation of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act ("TCPA"),

On October 14, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), published a proposed rule (91 FR 65119; DHS Docket No. USCIS-2026-0529) that would remove...

The Department of Homeland Security has proposed a controversial new rule requiring SEVP-certified schools to pay substantial fees—$70,000 for a student's first Optional Practical Training recommendation and $30,000 for each subsequent OPT application, including STEM extensions. With only a 30-day comment period and potential annual costs reaching up to $16.5 billion across nearly 2,500 affected institutions, the proposed regulation is expected to face significant legal challenges if finalized.

The SEC has proposed sweeping amendments to expand retail investor access to private market strategies, including changes to performance-based compensation rules for registered investment advisers and modernization of the interval fund framework. The proposals also explore new credential-based pathways for individuals to qualify as accredited investors, potentially opening private offerings to a broader pool of eligible participants.

On October 23, 2026, the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform announced an investigation into whether the three largest pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs)—CVS Caremark, Express Scripts and Optum...

PhRMA’s complaint asks the court to set the rule aside, postpone its effective date and enjoin its implementation, including through a temporary restraining order.

As artificial intelligence races forward, California employment law sprints alongside. Two new employment-related AI bills have been signed into law imposing new requirements...

A protective order can preserve access to useful AI tools while protecting discovery. In Corent Technology, Inc. v. Amazon Web Services, Inc., No. 8:26-cv-00194, 2026 WL 2924482 (C.D. Cal. Sept. 26, 2026)...

A federal court in Maryland recently ruled on a consumer protection class action against Vivid Seats involving allegations of "drip pricing" - the practice of advertising ticket prices without mandatory fees that are revealed later in checkout. While the court found the company's arbitration agreement unenforceable due to its unilateral modification clause, it ultimately dismissed the lawsuit for failure to adequately allege reliance or injury under Maryland's Consumer Protection Act.

On April 22, 2026, a final order issued by the acting U.S. attorney general and the Drug Enforcement Administration took effect, fundamentally altering the federal regulatory landscape for marijuana.

It is being reported that the Czech police are investigating a potential breach by Ramzan Kadyrov of the asset freeze imposed on him since his 2014 designation under the EU's Russian sanctions.