Communications Law Commons^™

Reputation Reconsidered, James Gibson

Law Faculty Publications

Reputation has a great reputation. We know this because the law values, venerates, and subsidizes reputation in many ways. Contract law relies on it as a means of disciplining the market without the need for intrusive regulation. Defamation law lets individuals and businesses seek relief when their reputations are sullied. Trademark law grants exclusive rights in order to encourage rightsholders to invest in their reputations. In these fields and others, the law views reputation as an important, socially positive good.

This faith in the integrity and value of reputation is unwarranted. Our impression of any given business is subject to …

The Discord Dilemma: Section 230'S Free Pass For Internet Providers Sanctioning Online Extremism, Claira L. Cooper

Law Student Publications

This Article examines the relationship between the blanket immunity for internet providers guaranteed by Section 230 of the Communication Decency Act and the rise of online extremism on gaming adjacent platforms. This Article analyzes multiple recent events incited by extremists on the gaming platform, Discord, and the real-life consequences that arise when extremism is allowed run rampant on platforms. This Article argues that Section 230, in its current form, enables platforms to turn a blind eye to illegal conduct on their website by avoiding moderation, thus making it clear that Section 230 is in dire need of an update to …

The Scales Project: Making Federal Court Records Free, Christopher A. Cotropia

Law Faculty Publications

Federal court records have been available online for nearly a quarter century, yet they remain frustratingly inaccessible to the public. This is due to two primary barriers: (1) the federal government’s prohibitively high fees to access the records at scale and (2) the unwieldy state of the records themselves, which are mostly text documents scattered across numerous systems. Official datasets produced by the judiciary, as well as third-party data collection efforts, are incomplete, inaccurate, and similarly inaccessible to the public. The result is a de facto data blackout that leaves an entire branch of the federal government shielded from empirical …

Solving Slapp Slop, Nicole J. Ligon

University of Richmond Law Review

In a substantial minority of states, wealthy and powerful individuals can, without much consequence, bring defamation lawsuits against the press and concerned citizens to silence and intimidate them. These lawsuits, known as “strategic lawsuits against public participation” (“SLAPP”s), are brought not to compensate a wrongfully injured person, but rather to discourage the defendants from exercising their First Amendment rights. In other words, when well resourced individuals feel disrespected by public criticism, they sometimes sue the media or concerned citizens, forcing these speakers to defend themselves in exorbitantly expensive defamation actions. In states without anti-SLAPP statutes—statutes aimed at protecting speakers from …

Closed Meetings Under Foia Turn Fifty: The Old, The New, And What To Do, Tyler C. Southall

University of Richmond Law Review

No abstract provided.

Digital Technology And Analog Law: Cellular Location Data, The Third-Party Doctrine, And The Law's Need To Evolve, Justin Hill

University of Richmond Law Review

No abstract provided.

Sweeten The Deal: Transfer Of Federal Spectrum Through Overlay Licenses, Brent Skorup

Richmond Journal of Law & Technology

The explosion in consumer demand for wireless services that began in the 1990s caught policymakers off guard. Demand for wireless services has only accelerated, as new cellular wireless technologies-such as broadband Internet via 3G and 4G LTE-permit services such as web browsing, video streaming, the Internet of things, and gaming, necessitating a steady influx of spectrum as an input.

Can I Call You Back? A Sustained Interaction With Biospecimen Donors To Facilitate Advances In Research, Jonathan S. Miller

Richmond Journal of Law & Technology

"For the cure." This statement resonates throughout society and offers a simple reasoning for the conduct of biomedical research. It provides a strong impetus for advocates of biomedical research to pursue appropriations to support research hypotheses, advanced medical technologies, and targeted therapeutic strategies. Answering sophisticated medical questions, however, requires researchers and clinicians to have an adequate supply of materials necessary to facilitate their research endeavors. These materials-commonly referred to as biospecimens- may include frozen human embryos, tissue specimens, blood samples, buccal swabs, or exhaled breath condensate, all of which may be collected and stored in biobanks.

Snapchat And Sexting: A Snapshot Of Baring Your Bare Essentials, Nicole A. Poltash

Richmond Journal of Law & Technology

The usurpation of personal pictures posted on social media websites is not uncommon.

No Implied Effect: The ‘Safe’ Fcc Cell Phone Radiation Standard And Tort Immunity By Implied Conflict Preemption, Sean M. Sherman

Richmond Journal of Law & Technology

Cell phones emit low-level radiation. Constantly.

Teacher Cell Phone Searches In Light Of Ontario V. Quon, Joseph O. Oluwole

Richmond Journal of Law & Technology

Technological innovations permeate almost every inch of society. From the government and corporate workforce to family and social settings, technology seemingly knows no boundaries. Technology’s limitless reach has even crossed into the realm of public schools, where, according to teacher Lyn Newton, “[s]chool principals are witnessing more and more cell phone use by their teachers.” Teachers, like other cell phone users, use cell phones not only for making phone calls, but also for taking pictures and texting, which has landed some teachers in trouble for inappropriate communications. Indeed, the sexting wave has not eluded teachers.

The Limitations And Admissibility Of Using Historical Cellular Site Data To Track The Location Of A Cellular Phone, Aaron Blank

Richmond Journal of Law & Technology

Imagine someone has just committed a crime. Shortly thereafter, law enforcement responds and quickly apprehends a suspect on the scene or close by. In order to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, the time and place of apprehending the suspect, combined with witness testimony or physical evidence, may be enough for the prosecution to meet its burden of proof.

Near Impossible To Enforce At Best, Unconstitutional At Worst: The Consequences Of Maryland’S Text Messaging Ban On Drivers, Alan Lazerow

Richmond Journal of Law & Technology

A local newspaper reports that your state recently passed a law prohibiting citizens from “writ[ing] or send[ing] a text message while operating a motor vehicle.” Armed with the knowledge of the texting ban, you, being a reasonable citizen, are likely to proceed in one of at least three ways, each of which exposes the statute’s fundamental flaws.

Sexting And Teenagers: Omg R U Going 2 Jail???, Catherine Arcabascio

Richmond Journal of Law & Technology

Sexting is a relatively recent practice engaged in by the young, and sometimes not-so-young, and foolish. “Sexting” is “the practice of sending or posting sexually suggestive text messages and images, including nude or semi-nude photographs, via cellular telephones or over the Internet.”

Hidden Costs Of The Wireless Broadband Lifestyle: Comparing Consumer Protections In The United States, Canada, And The European Union, Renee Dopplick

Richmond Journal of Law & Technology

Spurred by relatively inexpensive and widely available retail equipment and increased residential Internet penetration, consumer demand for more wireless broadband options continues at a rapid rate. Now, with consumers increasingly looking for mobile Internet interconnectivity over greater distances and with greater flexibility, technology companies are pushing the next generation of wireless broadband technologies with the promise of freeing consumers from location-based Internet access. These newer technologies can provide robust video and audio capabilities, such as digital television, on-demand video, and VoIP on a variety of digital devices. Yet, the rise of wireless

broadband networks and the roll-out of new technologies …

Preventing A Modern Panopticon: Law Enforcement Acquisition Of Real-Time Cellular Tracking Data, Steven B. Toeniskoetter

Richmond Journal of Law & Technology

Nineteenth Century philosopher Jeremy Bentham designed a prison system known as the Panopticon which was arranged in such a way that a single guard could, at any given time, view the activities and whereabouts of any particular prisoner. Bentham designed the prison in such a way that the prisoners could never tell whether they were being watched. Twentieth Century French philosopher Michel Foucault further considered use of the Panopticon as a means of societal control through fear in his seminal book Discipline and Punish: The Birth of the Prison.

A Decent Proposal: The Constitutionality Of Indecency Regulation On Cable And Direct Broadcast Satellite Services, Matthew S. Schwartz

Richmond Journal of Law & Technology

Little Timmy’s parents both work late, and he often finds himself sitting alone in front of the television after school. He doesn’t know the difference between “broadcast,” “cable,” or “direct broadcast satellite,” but he does know how to work the remote control. One day, as he is clicking through the channels – 2, 4, 7, 93, 128, they’re all the same to him – he comes across a provocative scene. What are those two people doing? he wonders with wide eyes. And where are most of their clothes? At that moment, Timmy’s father walks in and is shocked by the …

Automobile Accidents Associated With Cell Phone Use: Can Cell Phone Service Providers And Manufacturers Be Held Liable Under A Theory Of Negligence?, Jordan B. Michael

Richmond Journal of Law & Technology

Cell phone related car accidents have received a lot of attention in the press and academic journals over the past few years.1 Articles have discussed the impact of driving while using a hand-held or hands-free cell phone, and in some instances have identified liability on the part of employers. A number of cases have gone to the jury on employer liability based on respondeat superior, where the employer is held responsible for the actions of an employee acting within the scope of employment.

Do Not Call: Abdicating And Ignoring Responsibility, Tim Searcy

Richmond Journal of Law & Technology

I am not a lawyer, but for nearly a decade and a half, I have dealt with the issues that gave rise to the Federal Do Not Call Registry. Regardless of what you have read or seen, this issue did not just appear on the scene with the updating of the FTC’s Telemarketing Sales Rule or the subsequent corollary changes made by the FCC in its rules implementing the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (“TCPA”). As a matter of fact, the original regulatory rulemaking by the FCC to implement the TCPA are over a decade old.

Defendant’S Brief — Federal Trade Commission

Richmond Journal of Law & Technology

Plaintiff/petitioner telemarketers brought these actions challenging the FTC’s and FCC’s joint implementation of a nationwide do-not-call registry. The FTC created the registry as part of its Telemarketing Sales Rule. The Rule prohibits tele- marketers and sellers from calling phone numbers that consumers have listed on the registry. Subsequently, the FCC amended its rules implementing the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (“TCPA”), 47 U.S.C. § 227, to prohibit persons from mak- ing telephone solicitations to residential telephone subscribers who have registered their telephone numbers on the registry. Since June 27, 2003, when the registry opened, consumers have registered more than 50 million …

Brief Of Amicus Curiae – American Association Of Retired Persons

Richmond Journal of Law & Technology

AARP is a non-partisan, non-profit organization with more than 35 million members aged 50 and older. As the largest membership organization representing the interests of older Americans, AARP has a longstanding interest and involvement in combating telemarketing abuses and educating consumers about dealing with unwanted sales calls. While AARP’s concerns about telemarketing arose due to widespread fraudulent practices that targeted older persons (and those concerns continue), these initial concerns led to an expanded focus on effective means to reduce numerous, repeated intrusions into people’s homes by callers trying to sell myriad products and services. AARP thus has devoted significant resources …

Telemarketing Sales Rule Comment For 16 Cfr Part 310 — American Association Of Retired Persons, David Certner

Richmond Journal of Law & Technology

AARP appreciates this opportunity to comment on the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to amend the Telemarketing Sales Rule (the Rule). AARP’s interest in the Telemarketing Sales Rule and concerns about telemarketing abuses are long- standing. Seven years ago we were active participants in the original rulemaking proceeding. Since the adoption of the Rule in 1995, AARP has dedicated signi cant resources to educating consumers about telemarketing fraud and to working with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to combat it. We have also worked with state legislatures to enact state telemarketing legislation. The existing Rule …

Telemarketing Sales Rule Commentary — Cox Enterprises, Inc.

Richmond Journal of Law & Technology

Cox Enterprises, Inc. (“CEI” or “Cox”) hereby submits these comments in response to the Federal Trade Commission’s (“FTC”) Notice of Proposed Rulemaking relating to the proposed amendment of the Telemarketing Sales Rule (the “TSR” or “Rule”). Cox welcomes this opportunity to comment on the proposed amended Rule, and strongly supports the efforts of the FTC to protect consumers from fraudulent and deceptive telemarketing.

“Do-Not-Call-List” Testimony: Before The Senate Committee On Commerce, Science, And Transportation, Lee Hammond

Richmond Journal of Law & Technology

My name is Lee Hammond and I am a member of AARP’s Board of Directors. On behalf of AARP and its thirty- ve million members, thank you for inviting us here this morning to discuss the importance of implementing and enforcing the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) national Do Not Call registry. AARP’s members have been among the millions of Americans who have taken the initiative to place their phone numbers into the Registry in an effort to reduce the amount of unwanted telemarketing calls. We share your indignation over recent court decisions to stymie this effort and we are here …

“Do-Not-Call-List” Testimony: Before The Senate Committee On Commerce, Science, And Transportation, Timothy J. Muris

Richmond Journal of Law & Technology

As you know, the Commission adopted the Registry as one of the amendments to the Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR) announced December 18, 2003, and formally promulgated in the Federal Register on January 29, 2003. On March 11, 2003, President Bush signed into law the Do Not Call Implementation Act (DNCIA), which provides for the FTC to collect fees from sellers and telemarketers to fund the establishment and maintenance of the National Do Not Call Registry. Congress enacted this legislation, and provided complementary appropriations, to support the FTC’s decision to establish such a Registry (conditioned on funding) as part of its …

“Do-Not-Call-List” Testimony: Before The Senate Committee On Commerce, Science, And Transportation, Rodney Smolla

Richmond Journal of Law & Technology

I wish to thank the Committee for this opportunity to present testimony on the issues implicated by recent judicial rulings concerning the national telemarketing “Do Not Call” registry, developed by both the Federal Trade Commission and Federal Communications Commission.

“Do-Not-Call-List” Testimony: Before The Senate Committee On Commerce, Science, And Transportation, Gerald Cerasale

Richmond Journal of Law & Technology

Good morning, Mr. Chairman and members of the Committee. I thank you for the opportunity to appear before your Committee as it examines the issues surrounding the national Do-Not-Call Registry. I am Jerry Cerasale, Senior Vice President for The Direct Marketing Association, Inc. (“The DMA”).

“Do-Not-Call-List” Testimony: Before The Senate Committee On Commerce, Science, And Transportation, Tim Searcy

Richmond Journal of Law & Technology

Senators, thank you for giving me this opportunity to testify before you today, on a matter of great importance to U.S. consumers, and business alike: the formation of a federal Do Not Call Registry. I am the Executive Director of the American Teleservices Association, which is the largest and only association dedicated exclusively to the interests of the teleservices industry. We are enjoying our twentieth anniversary this year, and represent approximately 650 rms involved in the teleservices industry. Our membership is tremendously diverse, and encompasses all aspects of telemarketing, customer service, market research, political calling, non- profit fundraising and technical …

“Do-Not-Call List” Testimony: Before The House Committee On Energy And Commerce, Timothy J. Muris

Richmond Journal of Law & Technology

Mr. Chairman, I am Timothy J. Muris, Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission.1 I am pleased to appear today, on behalf of the Commission, to provide the Committee with information about our recently-announced amendments to the Telemarketing Sales Rule (“TSR” or “Rule”). In particular, you have asked about our request for authority to collect fees to offset the costs of implementing the “do-not-call” amendments to the TSR. Our testimony provides an overview of the TSR amendment process, discussion of the do-not-call provisions, and an examination of the funding request. The do-not-call registry is an important aspect of the Commission’s ongoing …

Plaintiff’S Reply Brief — Mainstream Marketing Services, Inc., Tmg Marketing, Inc. And American Teleservices Association

Richmond Journal of Law & Technology

The government’s assumption that commercial speech restrictions should be judged by the same standard as time, place or manner restrictions fails to accurately set forth the relevant burden of proof articulated in more recent commercial speech cases.