Consumer Protection
As AI ‘therapists’ dish out advice, California lawmakers try to set some limits
A new bill would stop companies from marketing chatbots as therapy and force stricter oversight of AI in mental health care.
States begin banning ‘surveillance pricing’ that uses personal data to charge more
Maryland and New Jersey laws target grocery stores, while Connecticut’s applies more broadly to retailers.
Cash App parent company to pay $45 million in multistate fraud settlement, state AG says
Virginia is among 46 participating states in the settlement with Block, Inc., the company behind Cash App. The commonwealth will receive about $845,500.
House passes bill that would ban ride share ‘surveillance pricing’ based on personal data
Surveillance pricing is the practice of using information about a consumer gathered from personal devices or other sources and charging different prices to individuals or groups based on their likely willingness to pay.
Big Tech finds a foe in Texas’ robust consumer protection laws and AG Ken Paxton
Paxton is banking on his recent lawsuits against tech and social media companies like Meta, WhatsApp and Discord to win a Senate seat, building on notable victories in years past.
WhatsApp, Meta can access Texans’ private messages, AG Ken Paxton claims in lawsuit
The attorney general’s office argues WhatsApp and parent company Meta are deceiving users by claiming the companies can’t view their encrypted messages.
North Carolina senators consider new restrictions on artificial intelligence in insurance and medical billing
Artificial intelligence in medical research has led to new treatments and new efficiencies, but it also has the potential to increase costs for patients in healthcare, one lawmaker says.
Virginia governor signs rideshare safety bills tightening driver-checks, in-app protections
The new laws require stronger identity verification, expanded background screenings and optional audio, video recording during rides.
Amid artificial intelligence explosion, Illinois lawmakers debate best path to regulate
The state already has some laws in place, but legislators raised concerns about the harm AI may still be causing consumers.
Pennsylvania senators weigh consumer protections from cryptocurrency scams
Lawmakers hope that by regulating ATM-like kiosks, they can protect Pennsylvanians.
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Your personal data might set your grocery prices. States aim to crack down.
Retailers are using surveillance pricing to set individualized amounts customers will pay.
Maine advances privacy law amid new immigration data collection concerns
Maine lawmakers are moving ahead with a plan for a comprehensive data privacy law that would amount to some of the strictest consumer protections in the country.
Utah bill requires AI companies to share safety plans for children and the public
The legislation would increase company transparency but wouldn’t ‘micromanage algorithms,’ sponsor says.
Surveillance pricing ban among affordability bills proposed by Colorado Democrats
State lawmakers unveiled bills aimed at affordability, including a second try at outlawing the use of personal data to set prices.
Kentucky attorney general’s lawsuit says AI company ‘preys’ on youth
The suit alleges the company has violated the Kentucky Consumer Protection Act, the Kentucky Consumer Data Protection Act and other laws.
Why a new California law could change the way all Americans browse the internet
A new California law enhanced privacy for consumers nationwide by providing browser settings to block the sale of personal data.
Why people don’t demand data privacy – even as governments and corporations collect more personal information
COMMENTARY | How people talk about data privacy can overcome – or reinforce – their skepticism that things can change.
Montana moves forward on regulatory framework for blockchain, digital assets
Under the new Innovation Act, companies that issue digital tokens can register with the Commissioner’s office as non-securities assets, making Montana among the first states to do so.
Kansas sues social media app Snapchat for harming teenagers’ mental health and well-being
The lawsuit references the death of a teenage boy from Shawnee, who died in 2021of fentanyl poisoning after reportedly purchasing from a drug dealer on Snapchat.
At least 4 bills to reform sweeping AI law expected during Colorado special session
State lawmakers failed to pass tweaks in regular session. They’ll try again this week.
