FTC Issues Long-Awaited Revisions To COPPA Rules

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.

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 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.

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.

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 Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals vacated a preliminary injunction against Perplexity AI, determining that when an AI agent acts at a user's direction, it is the user—not the AI company—who "accesses" computer systems under federal and California computer fraud statutes. This landmark appellate decision addresses how existing computer-access laws apply to agentic artificial intelligence and has significant implications...

On October 5, 2009, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) published its revised Guides Concerning Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Generative AI is transforming litigation defense by enabling in-house legal teams to manage costs and complexity more effectively across the entire case lifecycle. From early research and drafting through expert witness strategy and trial preparation, AI tools are helping defense teams work faster and more consistently. How are these technologies reshaping the way sophisticated counsel approaches multidistrict litigation, mass torts, and large-scale document management?

Texas Senate Bill 140 (SB 140) took effect 1 September 2025, and applies to conduct occurring on or after that date. The bill amended Section 302 of the Texas Business and Commerce Code to extend registration and disclosure requirements to text messages by expanding the definition of “Telephone solicitation,” which previously applied only to a “telephone call,” to include certain transmissions of text or graphic messages and images. In addition, SB 140 added a definition of “Telephone call” that incorporates the definition found in Section 304, which includes certain text or graphic messages and images, but excludes certain agreed-to transmissions.

In Advance Local Media LLC v. Cohere Inc., Judge Colleen McMahon of the Southern District of New York denied Cohere's motion to dismiss claims brought by a consortium of major news publishers.

Today, OCR settled its 46th case in a series of enforcement actions under its right of access initiative. This time, the settlement was with Optum Medical Care of New Jersey...

The United States Patent and Trademark Office released new guidance on artificial intelligence and inventorship on November 28, 2025, clarifying that the same standards for inventorship...

On July 18, 2024, a bill was introduced in the New York City Council that would require New York City employers with 25 or more employees to report detailed...

Effective January 1, 2024, California expanded its restrictions on employee non-compete and other restrictive covenant agreements to prohibit employers from entering into or attempting...

As Father Time marches towards 2024, how do we spur the CRE market? A new MarketWatch article forecasts a potentially gloomy year for CRE, but there are still reasons to be hopeful.

On December 4, 2025, the New York City Council overrode a veto by Mayor Eric Adams, 40-7, and enacted two bills, 982-A and 984-A, which together would require (i) private employers with more than 200 employees...

Yesterday the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (the "CDFI Fund") announced the award of $3.5 billion in Federal New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) allocation authority through its annual and competitive application process. Eighty-five organizations certified as Community Development Entities (CDEs) received the awards, while over 282 CDEs applied.

Thompson Coburn partner Aaron Lacey, co-chair of the firm's nationally recognized Higher Education Practice, has been appointed by the U.S. Department of Education...

Just across the California-Arizona border, there's an appellate case worth paying attention to, because it could signal whether California courts will hold that a commercial lease to operate...