Privacy & Information Security Law Blog

Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP is pleased to announce that Chambers & Partners ranked Hunton’s Privacy and Cybersecurity practice in Band 1 in the recently released 2023 Chambers USA guide. The firm has been recognized by Chambers among the “elite” firms for privacy and data security for several years. As noted to Chambers by clients, the team “truly has one of the best privacy practices in the world. They’re practical and take the time to understand the client's business and objectives.” In addition, partners Lisa Sotto, Aaron Simpson and Brittany Bacon were recognized in the guide.

On August 8, 2022, Commissioner Noah Joshua Phillips announced that he plans to resign from the Federal Trade Commission in the fall after serving four years with the agency. Phillips was appointed by former President Donald Trump in May 2018 and is one of the two Republican commissioners on the FTC alongside Commissioner Christine S. Wilson. Commissioner Phillips had served as chief counsel to Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) before joining the FTC.

On February 8, 2022, BTI Consulting Group honored Hunton partners Aaron Simpson and Lisa Sotto as BTI Client Service All-Stars for 2022. Aaron and Lisa join a select group of lawyers identified as client service leaders by corporate counsel at the world’s leading organizations. Lisa, also recognized as a Super All-Star, breaks BTI records by being nominated by six clients, the highest number of nominations so far. The BTI Client Service All-Stars “is the only ranking and attorney recognition relying solely on clients.” BTI singles out these attorneys as practical, savvy, in the know, available, nimble, and skilled to deal with complex issues.

On October 7, 2021, Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan appointed Olivier Sylvain as a senior advisor on rulemaking and emerging technology. As announced by Fordham University School of Law, where Sylvain serves as a professor of communications, information and administrative law, Sylvain is an expert in the Communications Decency Act and also has focused his work on artificial intelligence and community-owned networked computing.

On September 13, 2021, President Biden is expected to nominate Alvaro Bedoya to the Federal Trade Commission. Bedoya would replace FTC Commissioner Rohit Chopra, who was earlier nominated, but has not yet been confirmed, as Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP is pleased to announce that POLITICO has named Centre for Information Policy Leadership (“CIPL”) President Bojana Bellamy among its Tech 28, the news organization’s inaugural list of top “rulemakers, rulebreakers and visionaries” shaping the future of technology in Europe and beyond.

On June 15, 2021, the U.S. Senate confirmed Lina Khan to the Federal Trade Commission by a vote of 69-28. Khan will fill the vacancy left by former Chairman Joseph Simons (R) who resigned from the FTC in January 2021.

Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP partner Lisa J. Sotto, chair of the firm’s Global Privacy and Cybersecurity practice, has been recognized by Chambers and Partners with the 2021 Outstanding Contribution to the Legal Profession award. This honor is given to one lawyer each year for exceptional achievements.

This is an extraordinary and unprecedented time for the retail industry. Hunton Andrews Kurth’s 2020 Retail Industry Year in Review provides an in-depth analysis of the issues and challenges that retailers faced in the past year, and a look ahead at what they can expect in 2021. The Year in Review includes several articles authored by our privacy and cybersecurity lawyers, including on topics such as the cashier-less technology revolution, the California Privacy Rights Act of 2020 and “buy now, pay later” plans.

Read the full publication.

On January 21, 2021, President Biden designated Rebecca Kelly Slaughter as Acting Chair of the Federal Trade Commission.

The global privacy and cybersecurity team at Hunton Andrews Kurth has authored multiple chapters of the 2021 Data Protection & Privacy guide by Lexology’s Getting the Deal Through. Partner Aaron P. Simpson and practice chair Lisa J. Sotto served as contributing editors of the ninth edition of the annual guide, which provides summary and analysis in key areas of law, practice and regulation for 150 jurisdictions across the globe.

On August 18, 2020, the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (“NIST”) published a draft report, Four Principles of Explainable Artificial Intelligence (Draft NISTIR 8312 or the “Draft Report”), which sets forth four proposed principles regarding the “explainability” of decisions made by Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) systems.

On March 5, 2020 the Cybersecurity Law Report will host a webinar with panelists, Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP partner Bridget Treacy and Refinitiv’s chief privacy officer Vivienne Artz, on the General Data Protection Regulation’s (“GDPR”) territorial scope entitled, “Gauging GDPR’s Global Reach.” This webinar will explore the global effect of the GDPR in both the digital and geographic arenas.

As part of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Lisa Sotto, partner and chair of Hunton Andrews Kurth’s Privacy and Cybersecurity practice, was highlighted as the featured author in Wolters Kluwer’s October issue of Author Insights. Lisa is the editor and lead author of Wolters Kluwer’s Privacy and Cybersecurity Law Deskbook, a guide to managing privacy and data security issues globally.

As reported on the Hunton Retail Law Resource blog, on January 17, 2019, Hunton Andrews Kurth’s retail industry team, composed of more than 200 lawyers across practices, released their annual Retail Industry Year in Review publication.

In January 2019, Hunton Andrews Kurth celebrates the 10-year anniversary of our award-winning Privacy and Information Security Law Blog. Over the past decade, we have worked hard to provide timely, cutting-edge updates on the ever-evolving global privacy and cybersecurity legal landscape. Ten Years Strong: A Decade of Privacy and Cybersecurity Insights is a compilation of our blog’s top ten most read posts over the decade, and addresses some of the most transformative changes in the privacy and cybersecurity field.

Read Ten Years Strong: A Decade of Privacy and Cybersecurity ...

On December 29, 2018, the UK Information Commissioner’s Office announced that Elizabeth Denham, UK Information Commissioner, was awarded a CBE for her services to protecting information. Denham’s award was announced in the United Kingdom’s 2019 New Year’s Honours list. This honor reflects Denham’s achievements as the UK Information Commissioner and the enhanced leadership, visibility and impact that she has brought to the role and the Office.

Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP is pleased to announce that the firm was recognized in the inaugural Chambers and Partners 2019 FinTech guide. The guide commends the firm for attaining an “excellent reputation for the strengths of its data protection and cybersecurity practice, where it counsels FinTech businesses on privacy issues in commercial contracts and transactional matters.”

Hunton Andrews Kurth’s Privacy & Information Security Law Blog has been nominated in The Expert Institute’s 2018 Best Legal Blog Contest for Best AmLaw Blog of 2018. For nearly 10 years, our award-winning privacy blog has provided readers with current information and legal commentary on news stories; breaking international, federal and state legislation; and other issues on privacy, data protection and cybersecurity. We appreciate your continued support and readership, and ask that you please take a moment to vote for our blog. Click here to vote

On April 26, 2018, the U.S. Senate confirmed by unanimous consent all five pending nominees to the Federal Trade Commission. Once installed, the agency will have a full complement of Commissioners for the first time in nearly three years. The FTC will be comprised of three Republicans — Joseph Simons (Chairman), Noah Joshua Phillips and Christine Wilson — and two Democrats — Rebecca Kelly Slaughter and Rohit Chopra.

Hunton & Williams LLP is honored to be nominated for Advisen’s 2018 Cyber Risk Awards in the category of Cyber Law Firm of the Year. Advisen is an industry leader in insurance consulting, and regularly hosts conferences offering insights and innovation on cyber risk. The winners are determined by online ballot and the awards will be presented in New York City on June 6, 2018.

Please show your support by voting for Hunton & Williams as 2018 Cyber Law Firm of the Year. Voting ends Friday, April 20, and is limited to one per person.

On December 18, 2017, Lisa Sotto, chair of the Global Privacy and Cybersecurity practice at Hunton & Williams LLP and managing partner of the firm’s New York office, was recognized among the Leading Women Lawyers in NYC by Crain’s New York Business.

On October 19, 2017, the White House announced that President Donald J. Trump plans to nominate two individuals to serve as commissioners of the Federal Trade Commission. President Trump selected Joseph Simons to lead the FTC as its chairman for a seven-year term, beginning September 26, 2017. Simons’ background primarily has focused on antitrust matters. From June 2001 to August 2003, he led the FTC’s antitrust initiative as Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Competition.

The ABA Journal has announced that it is accepting nominations for its Web 100 Amici award, which recognizes legal blogs. We hope you will continue to show your support for Hunton & Williams’ Privacy & Information Security Law blog by nominating the blog for this award.

Only Three Days Left to Vote!

Hunton & Williams LLP is proud to announce our Privacy & Information Security Law Blog has been nominated in The Expert Institute’s 2016 Best Legal Blog Contest for Best AmLaw Blog of 2016. From all of the editors, lawyers and contributors that make our blog a success, we appreciate your continued support and readership, and ask that you please take a moment to vote for our blog!

The Privacy & Information Security Law Blog was ranked as the #1 Privacy & Data Security blog in LexBlog’s 2015 AmLaw 200 Blog Benchmark Report, and named PR News’ Best Legal PR Blog ...

Hunton & Williams LLP is proud to announce our Privacy & Information Security Law Blog has been nominated in The Expert Institute’s 2016 Best Legal Blog Contest for Best AmLaw Blog of 2016. From all of the editors, lawyers and contributors that make our blog a success, we appreciate your continued support and readership, and ask that you please take a moment to vote for our blog!

The Privacy & Information Security Law Blog was ranked as the #1 Privacy & Data Security blog in LexBlog’s 2015 AmLaw 200 Blog Benchmark Report, and named PR News’ Best Legal PR Blog in 2011. It was noted that the ...

After much debate, the final version of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) is expected to be adopted by the European Parliament this week and to take effect in early 2018. The GDPR will significantly change EU data protection law in several areas, affecting all businesses in the energy, financial, health care, real estate, manufacturing, retail, technology and transportation industries, among others. To assist in-house lawyers and privacy professionals with understanding the new GDPR and planning ahead for implementation, Hunton & Williams’ Privacy and Cybersecurity practice lawyers have released The EU General Data Protection Regulation, a Guide for In-House Lawyers covering these strategic areas:

Team helps companies devise legal strategies to enhance security and mitigate threat risk.

On April 4, 2016, Hunton & Williams LLP announced the formation of a Cyber and Physical Security Task Force to assist companies in minimizing the risks and consequences of a serious security incident. The task force is being led by global privacy and cybersecurity head Lisa Sotto, cybersecurity partner Paul Tiao, and energy partner Kevin Jones, and includes lawyers from a wide range of practice groups within the firm.

Chambers & Partners ranked Hunton & Williams LLP’s Global Privacy and Cybersecurity practice in Band 1 in the recently released 2016 Global guide. The firm has been recognized by Chambers Global as a Band 1 firm, global-wide, for data protection for the past nine years. As noted by Chambers Global, the team is a “[t]op-ranked firm with notable strength negotiating with regulators and advising on compliance programmes.”

Hunton & Williams LLP announces the firm’s Global Privacy and Cybersecurity practice was again recognized by Chambers UK 2016 and The Legal 500 UK 2015 guides, earning Tier 1 rankings. Chambers UK noted that the practice has a “superbly strong bench of highly experienced counsel adept at advising on the most complex of information law concerns. Particularly accomplished in guiding clients through the privacy implications of new technologies, international data transfers, and BCR applications and implementations.” Additionally, the firm’s European data protection practice leaders are recognized in the “Star” and “Senior Statesman” categories by Chambers UK, the highest categories of rankings. Bridget Treacy, head of the firm’s UK Privacy and Cybersecurity practice, and senior attorney consultant Rosemary Jay, received the top honors of “Star” individuals for data protection. Richard Thomas, formerly the UK Information Commissioner and the firm’s global strategy advisor, was again recognized as a “Senior Statesman.”

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (“NIST”) recently released the final draft of its report entitled De-Identification of Personal Information. The report stems from a review conducted by NIST of various de-identification techniques for removal of personal information from computerized documents. While de-identification techniques are widely used, there is concern that existing techniques are insufficient to protect personal privacy because certain remaining information can make it possible to re-identify individuals.

Hunton & Williams welcomes Phyllis H. Marcus as counsel to the firm’s privacy and competition teams. Phyllis joins the firm from the Federal Trade Commission, where she held a number of leadership positions, most recently as Chief of Staff of the Division of Advertising Practices. Phyllis led the FTC’s children’s online privacy program, including bringing a number of enforcement actions and overhauling the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (“COPPA”) Rule. She offers the privacy team a keen understanding of the complexities of the revised regulations, as well as broader issues relating to student privacy, mobile applications and the Internet of Things.

Hunton & Williams proudly announces that the firm was ranked in Tier 1 in The Legal 500 United Kingdom 2015 guide for data protection. Bridget Treacy, head of the firm’s UK Privacy and Cybersecurity practice, and Rosemary Jay, senior consultant attorney, both received recognition as leading individuals for data protection.

Hunton & Williams is pleased to announce the firm’s Privacy & Information Security Law Blog has been ranked the #1 privacy and data security blog and the #4 overall legal blog by LexBlog’s 2015 Am Law 200 Blog Benchmark Report. Recently released, the report catalogues all blogs published by Am Law 200 law firms and calculates the rankings based on (1) the amount of traffic each blog generates, (2) their technology infrastructures and (3) the ability of each blog to incorporate responsive design for multiple devices. Hunton & Williams’ Global Privacy and Cybersecurity team is a ...

Hunton & Williams is pleased to announce its participation with the Global Legal Group in the publication of the second edition of the book The International Comparative Legal Guide to: Data Protection 2015. Members of the Hunton & Williams Global Privacy and Cybersecurity team prepared several chapters in the guide, including the opening chapter on “Legislative Change: Assessing the European Commission’s Proposal for a Data Protection Regulation,” and chapters on Belgium, China, France, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Hunton & Williams LLP’s Global Privacy and Cybersecurity practice group has written a portfolio for Bloomberg BNA on information security and data breach issues in the United States and globally. Cybersecurity and Data Breach offers a broad overview of relevant legal requirements in the United States, European Union and select countries around the world. The portfolio includes practical guidance and advice on managing a data security breach, from managing an investigation and conducting remediation to providing notification to affected individuals, regulators, consumer reporting agencies, employees, boards of directors and the public. It also provides details on proactive cyber readiness activities such as preparing an Incident Response Plan, conducting tabletop exercises, and developing a vendor and employee management program. Cybersecurity and Data Breach is available at Bloomberg BNA’s Privacy & Data Security Law Resource Center and also at Bloomberg Law.

Hunton & Williams LLP announces the firm’s Global Privacy and Cybersecurity practice was again ranked in Tier 1 by Chambers & Partners in their 2015 Global and USA guides. Over the last eight years, the firm has been recognized by Chambers Global, Chambers UK and Chambers USA as a Tier 1 firm for privacy and data protection. As noted by Chambers USA, the practice lawyers “have established themselves as real leaders in this area.”

Hunton & Williams LLP announces Lisa J. Sotto, head of the firm’s Global Privacy and Cybersecurity practice and managing partner of the New York office, has been named to The National Law Journal’s “Outstanding Women Lawyers” list. The listing, composed of 75 of the most accomplished female lawyers today, includes women who have surpassed their peers based on their excellence in professional practice, development of new areas of law, leadership roles and influence.

Hunton & Williams is pleased to announce the release of its newly designed and mobile-responsive Privacy and Information Security Law Blog, www.huntonprivacyblog.com.

“Our award-winning blog has served the entire privacy community — from companies and practitioners to international regulators,” said Lisa Sotto, who heads the firm’s global privacy and cybersecurity practice. “This new version of Hunton & Williams’ privacy blog offers our audience greater access to information in real time and more interactive features, which are critical in this fast-changing arena.”

Once again, the American Bar Association Journal is compiling its annual list of the 100 best legal blogs, and readers are invited to nominate blawgs they “read regularly and think other lawyers should know about.” We would appreciate you showing your support by submitting a nomination for Hunton & Williams’ Privacy and Information Security Law Blog. PR News named Hunton & Williams’ Privacy Blog the Best Legal PR Blog of 2011.

Submissions will be accepted through Friday, August 8, so please vote now!

Hunton & Williams LLP proudly announces that the firm’s Global Privacy and Cybersecurity practice was ranked in Tier 1 in The Legal 500 United States 2014 guide for cyber crime and data protection and privacy. Global practice chair Lisa Sotto also was ranked as a leading lawyer and partner Aaron Simpson was highlighted for his work on privacy and cybersecurity matters.

Hunton & Williams LLP is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has listed the firm’s Global Privacy and Cybersecurity practice in Band 1 in the 2014 Chambers USA guide. This is the seventh consecutive year the firm was top ranked in this category. In addition, partner and chair of the firm’s Global Privacy and Cybersecurity practice group Lisa Sotto again was recognized as a “Star” performer (the guide’s highest ranking) for privacy and data security.

On May 16, 2014, Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe announced the members of the Virginia Cyber Security Commission, including the appointment of Hunton & Williams LLP’s Paul M. Tiao. Tiao, one of eleven citizen members elected to the group, is a partner in the firm’s Global Privacy and Cybersecurity Practice Group.

Hunton & Williams LLP is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has listed the firm’s Global Privacy and Cybersecurity practice in Band 1 in the 2014 Chambers Global guide. This is the sixth consecutive year the firm was top ranked in this category. In addition, the firm was newly ranked in the guide’s inaugural Europe-wide Data Protection section, premiering in the top-tier Band 1.

The Centre for Information Policy Leadership at Hunton & Williams LLP (the “Centre”) announces Markus B. Heyder, International Consumer Protection Counsel at the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, will be joining as Vice President and Senior Policy Counselor, effective March 17, 2014. In this role, Heyder will work on policy development, research and publishing activities at the Centre, and will develop and maintain relationships with policy and regulatory authorities in North America, Asia and Latin America, among other tasks. He will be resident in the firm’s Washington, D.C. office.

The EU-U.S. Safe Harbor Framework is an important cross-border data transfer mechanism that enables certified organizations to move personal data from the European Union to the United States in compliance with European data protection laws. Recently, however, the Safe Harbor’s future has been thrown into doubt. In an article published on October 30, 2013 by Practical Law, Lisa J. Sotto, partner and head of the Global Privacy and Cybersecurityhttps://www.huntonak.com/services/Privacy-and-Cybersecurity practice at Hunton & Williams LLP, partner Bridget Treacy and ...

On December 5, 2013, Lisa J. Sotto, partner and head of the Global Privacy and Cybersecurity practice at Hunton & Williams LLP, was featured in Law360’s “Female Powerbrokers” Q&A series. The series focuses on female lawyers and their personal experiences as they have grown into leadership positions within their respective firms. Here is an excerpt from Sotto’s interview:

Hunton & Williams LLP is pleased to announce that several privacy lawyers were named to the New York Metro Super Lawyers list for 2013. For the eighth consecutive year, Lisa J. Sotto, partner and head of the Global Privacy and Cybersecurity practice at Hunton & Williams LLP, was selected as a New York Super Lawyer. She also was featured in the latest edition of New York Super Lawyers Magazine in an article entitled “The Queen of Breach: Privacy Expert Lisa Sotto Goes Public.” In addition, partner Aaron P. Simpson was included as a Rising Star for the third year in a row, and associate ...

On September 3, 2013, Hunton & Williams LLP announced that Lisa J. Sotto, head of the firm’s Global Privacy and Cybersecurity practice and managing partner of the New York office, was named among Ethisphere Institute’s “Attorneys Who Matter” for 2013. The annual listing includes lawyers from a range of legal disciplines who surpass their peers based on their experience, public service, legal community engagement and client endorsement. This is the third time Sotto has achieved this ranking.

The American Bar Association Journal is compiling a list of the 100 best legal blogs of 2013 and readers are invited to submit nominations. We would appreciate you showing your support by submitting a nomination for Hunton & Williams’ Privacy and Information Security Law. PR News named Hunton & Williams’ Privacy Blog the Best Legal PR Blog of 2011.

Submissions will be accepted through this Friday, August 9, so please vote now!

The American Bar Association Journal is compiling a list of the 100 best legal blogs of 2013 and is inviting readers to submit nominations. Click the voting button below to submit a nomination for Hunton & Williams’ Privacy and Information Security Law. PR News named Hunton & Williams’ Privacy Blog the Best Legal PR Blog of 2011.

Submissions are accepted through August 9, so please vote!

The Centre for Information Policy Leadership at Hunton & Williams LLP is pleased to announce that Bojana Bellamy, global director of data privacy for Accenture, will be joining the firm as president of the Centre, effective September 2, 2013. Current Centre President, Marty Abrams, who is retiring on September 1, will stay on as an advisor to the Centre.

Hunton & Williams LLP proudly announces that the firm’s global Privacy and Cybersecurity practice was top-ranked in both The Legal 500 United States and EMEA 2013 guides. This is the fourth consecutive year that the practice has been listed in “Tier 1” by The Legal 500 United States.

On June 17, 2013, the Federal Trade Commission announced that FTC Chair Edith Ramirez has appointed Jessica Rich as Director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection. Rich has served in several leadership roles in the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection during her 20-year tenure with the agency. Most recently, she served as Associate Director of the Division of Financial Practices.

Hunton & Williams LLP is pleased to announce the firm’s global Privacy and Data Security practice again ranked in “Band 1” in 2013 Chambers USA, Chambers Global and Chambers UK.

Global practice group leader Lisa Sotto, who was recently named among The National Law Journal’s “The 100 Most Influential Lawyers in America,” was recognized in Chambers USA as a “Star” performer, the guide’s highest ranking. Sotto was the only privacy lawyer in the U.S. to receive this distinguished ranking. In the same guide, New York partner Aaron Simpson was highlighted for his notable work in advising on global privacy and data security matters.

On June 3, 2013, Privacy Piracy host Mari Frank will interview Lisa J. Sotto, partner and head of the Global Privacy and Data Security practice at Hunton & Williams LLP, on KUCI 88.9 FM radio in Irvine, California. Listen to the latest developments in cybersecurity, including legal issues businesses should consider when dealing with cybersecurity threats and the types of information being targeted. The radio interview will be featured at 8:00 a.m. Pacific Time on KUCI 88.9 FM and is available via audio streaming at www.kuci.org

Lisa J. Sotto, head of Hunton & Williams LLP’s Privacy and Data Security practice and managing partner of the New York office, was recently re-appointed as Chair of the Department of Homeland Security’s Data Privacy and Integrity Advisory Committee (“DPIAC”). Sotto was first appointed Chair of DPIAC in 2012 for a one-year term. This most recent tenure will expire in April 2014.

The FBI Director’s Senior Cybersecurity Adviser Paul M. Tiao has joined Hunton & Williams LLP as a partner in the Privacy and Data Security practice group. Tiao served as Senior Counselor to FBI Director Robert S. Mueller III on cybersecurity, electronic surveillance, intellectual property crimes, digital forensics, and other national security and criminal issues. He formulated cybersecurity policy positions, drafted legislative language, coordinated strategy on these issues; and represented the FBI in discussions within the Executive Branch, with Congress, and with industry leaders. Tiao will be based in the firm’s Washington office.

Hunton & Williams LLP is pleased to announce that Lisa J. Sotto, partner and head of the firm’s Global Privacy and Data Security practice, has been named to The National Law Journal’s “The 100 Most Influential Lawyers in America” list. Last published in 2006, this is only the eighth time this list of legal luminaries has been compiled since it was first established in 1985 as “Profiles in Power.”

On March 7, 2013, the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (“ICO”) published guidance (the “Guidance”) on Bring Your Own Device (“BYOD”) to explain to data controllers “what they need to consider when permitting the use of personal devices to process personal data for which they are responsible.” BYOD refers to the use of individuals’ personal devices to access and store corporate information.

Hunton & Williams is pleased to announce the firm maintained its top-tier “Band 1” ranking in Data Protection in the 2013 edition of Chambers UK. Our London-based principals also maintained their high rankings as leading Data Protection lawyers:

• Bridget Treacy, managing partner of the firm’s London office and head of the UK Privacy and Data Security practice, was ranked as a “Star Individual.”
• Richard Thomas, Global Strategy Advisor to the Centre for Information Policy Leadership at Hunton & Williams LLP, was ranked as a “Senior Statesman.”
• Rosemary Jay, a senior ...

Hunton & Williams LLP is pleased to announce that several privacy attorneys were named to the New York Metro Super Lawyers list for 2012. For the seventh consecutive year, Lisa J. Sotto, partner and head of the Global Privacy and Data Security practice at Hunton & Williams LLP, was selected as a New York Super Lawyer. In addition, partner Aaron P. Simpson was included as a Rising Star for the second year in a row, and associate Melinda L. McLellan debuted in the Rising Stars category. As members of the firm’s Privacy and Data Security team, their practices focus on complex privacy and ...

Hunton & Williams LLP is pleased to announce that five attorneys of the firm’s Privacy and Data Security practice group have been named as “The International Who’s Who of Internet, E-Commerce & Data Protection Lawyers” in 2012. They include partners Lisa J. Sotto, Wim Nauwelaerts and Bridget Treacy, Senior Attorney Rosemary Jay and Associate Dr. Jörg Hladjk. Who’s Who notes that “[t]he ‘cross-disciplinary’ and ‘client-focused’ Hunton & Williams LLP performs well, with a total of five lawyers selected from its ‘sophisticated’ IT and data protection ...

On September 20, 2012, Hunton & Williams LLP announced Lisa J. Sotto, head of the firm’s Global Privacy and Data Security practice and managing partner of the New York office, was named among Ethisphere Institute’s “Attorneys Who Matter” for 2012. The annual listing includes approximately 100 lawyers from a range of legal disciplines who surpass their peers based on their experience, public service, legal community engagement and client endorsement.

The American Bar Association Journal is compiling a list of the 100 best legal blogs of 2012 and is inviting readers to submit nominations. Click the voting button below to submit a nomination for Hunton & Williams' Privacy and Information Security Law. PR News named Hunton & Williams' Privacy Blog the Best Legal PR Blog of 2011.

Submissions are accepted through Friday, September 7th, so please vote!

Hunton & Williams LLP is pleased to announce its 2012 top rankings from Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500: United States. The firm consistently has maintained its number one ranking in both surveys for its Privacy and Data Security practice.

Hunton & Williams is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has ranked the firm in “Band 2” in its 2012 Chambers Europe guide for TMT: Information Technology: Belgium. Brussels managing partner Wim Nauwelaerts was recognized for his “very straightforward” and “no-nonsense approach.”

On November 4, 2011, Law360 interviewed Lisa J. Sotto, partner and head of the Global Privacy and Data Security practice at Hunton & Williams LLP. In a question and answer session, Sotto discussed the challenges of working with multinational companies on compliance with privacy laws, and addressed questions related to her practice and career. Read the full interview.

Hunton & Williams LLP is pleased to congratulate Aaron P. Simpson for his inclusion in Super Lawyers New York Rising Stars 2011. His practice focuses on complex privacy and data security matters, including assisting clients with the remediation of large-scale data security incidents and compliance with federal, state and international privacy and data security requirements. In addition, for the sixth consecutive year, Lisa J. Sotto, head of the Global Privacy and Data Security practice at Hunton & Williams, was selected as a New York Super Lawyer ...

On September 27, 2011, OnStar announced it was reversing proposed changes to its Terms and Conditions that would have allowed the company to continue to receive data from former subscribers’ vehicles unless they specifically opted out.  OnStar’s current Privacy Statement indicates that the GM subsidiary collects information regarding its customers’ vehicle operation, location, approximate speed, collision data and safety belt usage in connection with OnStar’s in-vehicle GPS navigation and emergency response services, and that the company “may share or sell” any of this data in anonymized form with third parties.  OnStar recently notified customers by email that it would continue to collect data from former subscribers, and that it reserved the right to distribute such data to third parties.  The announcement prompted a swift and strong reaction from members of Congress skeptical of the proposed policy changes.

Hunton & Williams announces that Rosemary Jay, formerly head of the privacy practice at Pinsent Masons and the former head of the legal team at the UK Information Commissioner’s Office, will join the firm’s Privacy and Data Security practice in October.  Ms. Jay will be based in the firm’s London office.  As a senior lawyer, Ms. Jay will bring more than 20 years of data protection experience to Hunton & Williams, enhancing both the firm’s renowned privacy practice and its Centre for Information Policy Leadership.  Read the news release

Read the Dallas Business Journal's DBJ Confidential blog post discussing Hunton & Williams partner Lisa J. Sotto's thoughts on how companies should approach privacy issues in the United States. Sotto was interviewed while in Dallas giving a privacy law presentation for in-house counsel.

Hunton & Williams LLP is pleased to announce its 2011 rankings from Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500: United States.  The firm maintained its number one ranking in both surveys for its Privacy and Data Security practice.

For the last four years, the firm has held the “Band 1” ranking for Privacy and Data Security by both the Chambers USA and Chambers Global guides.  In its Chambers USA guide, Chambers and Partners recognized the firm’s privacy and data security practice for its “full spectrum of privacy issues including data security breaches, records and information management and legislation compliance.”  Hunton & Williams also received the highest honors for its client service and “commercial awareness.”  In addition, the practice was praised for its connections with regulatory agencies. Lisa J. Sotto, partner and head of the firm’s Privacy and Data Security practice, was ranked in “Band 1,” and was singled out for her “tremendous wealth of knowledge” and proactive nature in assisting clients.

For the fourth consecutive time, Hunton & Williams LLP was named the top firm for privacy by Computerworld in its 2010 report on “Best Privacy Advisers.”  The survey of more than 4,000 global corporate privacy leaders ranked Hunton & Williams #1 overall, citing the firm’s extensive experience and global presence.  Computerworld reported that, “Hunton [& Williams] attracted more than twice as many votes as its nearest challenger.”  In a breakdown by focus categories, Hunton & Williams also received top honors from respondents working in the financial services and ...

On December 1, 2010, the Federal Trade Commission released its long-awaited report on online privacy entitled “Protecting Consumer Privacy in an Era of Rapid Change: A Proposed Framework for Businesses and Policymakers.”  Observers expected the report to address the concept of privacy by design, the burdens placed on consumers to read and understand privacy notices and make privacy choices, the provision of individual access to personal data and the rights of consumers with respect to Internet tracking.  The FTC report introduces a privacy framework to “establish certain common assumptions and bedrock protections on which both consumers and businesses can rely as they engage in commerce.”  It includes the following elements:

This year, the 32nd International Conference of Data Protection and Privacy Commissioners takes place in Jerusalem.  In addition, the Israeli Law, Information and Technology Authority (“ILITA”) is hosting a week of privacy activities to mark the 30th anniversary of the OECD Privacy Guidelines.

Please join us at these great events coming up this fall.  Several members of Hunton & Williams’ Privacy and Information Management team are presenting at these events to discuss the current and evolving privacy and data security issues occurring around the world.

Internet Rights and Technology: A Practical Legal Guide to Doing Business on the Internet – New York City Bar
On September 28, 2010, 6:00 p.m. – 8:45 p.m., the New York City Bar hosts a live program to discuss how the Internet affects various areas of law, including intellectual property, new media, litigation, regulatory and licensing.  The faculty includes Hunton & Williams partner, Aaron P. Simpson, who will lead the Privacy & Data Security session.

Richard Thomas (RT): Lisa, congratulations on the publication of the new treatise.  I’m sure the Privacy team has been waiting for its release.  Could you give us some background on what prompted you and the team to write the Privacy and Data Security Law Deskbook?

Lisa Sotto (LS): Thanks, Richard.  Privacy and information security are topics that have received significant attention during the last few years.  Organizations that manage personal information are under the microscope and are struggling to keep up with the many new and evolving legal requirements around the world.  In addition, there is a real uptick in enforcement actions for privacy and data security incidents.  As the former Information Commissioner of the UK, I’m sure you would agree that privacy is an issue on which nearly every global company must focus.  In 2009 alone, companies spent an average of $6.6 million to rebuild their brand image and retain customers after being involved in some type of data breach the previous year.

On July 20, 2010, Hunton & Williams announced the release of the first edition treatise Privacy and Data Security Law Deskbook (Aspen Publishers) by lead author Lisa J. Sotto, managing partner of the firm’s New York office and head of the firm’s global Privacy and Information Management practice.  The deskbook provides a detailed overview (with thousands of specific citations for the legal practitioner) of those areas of information privacy and data security law that have the greatest impact on and are most relevant to U.S. businesses operating in the global arena.  In addition ...

Hunton & Williams is pleased to announce its 2010 rankings from Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500 United States.  The firm was ranked #1 in both surveys for its Privacy and Information Management practice.

Once again, the firm was ranked in "Band 1" for Privacy and Data Security by both the Chambers USA and Chambers Global guides.  Chambers notes, "the team is particularly praised for its international expertise, especially in matters involving the European Union, such as cross-border data transfers."  Clients note that the firm "is a major competitor, especially on data ...

Julie Brill and Edith Ramirez took their oaths of office on April 5 and 6, 2010, completing the Federal Trade Commission’s roster of five commissioners and facilitating the Commission’s new tougher stance on privacy.  As we previously reported, Ms. Brill and Ms. Ramirez were confirmed by the U.S. Senate on March 3, 2010.  There are now three Democrats and two Republicans on the Commission.

Last year, when the Commission was comprised of one Democrat, two Republicans, an independent and a vacant seat, FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz announced an aggressive agenda for the Commission, including a “privacy re-think.”  The new Democratic majority will make it easier to advance that agenda through recommendations to Congress, responses to market requests for greater self regulation and the approach taken with respect to enforcement cases.

On March 9, 2010, the European Court of Justice ruled that the Federal Republic of Germany’s practice of “state supervision” over data protection authorities violates EU Data Protection Directive 95/46/EC.  The case, brought by the EU Commission, is a milestone which will force Germany to change the structure of its DPA system and could have ramifications in other countries as well.

The Court’s decision is based on Article 28(1) of the Directive, which requires that data protection authorities (“DPAs”) act with “complete independence.” German law makes a distinction with regard to DPA supervision depending on whether the data processing is carried out by public or non-public bodies.  There are therefore different authorities responsible for monitoring public entities’ compliance with data protection provisions versus those that monitor compliance by private parties and undertakings governed by public law which compete on the market (öffentlich-rechtliche Wettbewerbsunternehmen) outside the public sector (such as transportation and utility companies).

On March 3, 2010, the Senate unanimously confirmed the nominations of Julie Brill and Edith Ramirez to serve as FTC Commissioners for seven-year terms.  Most recently, Ms. Brill has served as Deputy Attorney General for Consumer Protection and Antitrust for the State of North Carolina.  She was formerly Assistant Attorney General for Consumer Protection and Antitrust for the State of Vermont and has served as Chair of the Committee on Privacy for the National Association of Attorneys General.  Edith Ramirez is a partner at Quinn Emanuel Urquhart Oliver & Hedges, LLP in Los Angeles ...

On December 7, 2009, the Business Forum for Consumer Privacy released “A Use and Obligations Approach to Protecting Privacy: A Discussion Document" at the Federal Trade Commission’s roundtable entitled “Exploring Privacy.”  The roundtable was a first step in the FTC’s effort to re-examine privacy protection in light of rapid, dynamic changes in technology, advances in data analytics and increasingly ubiquitous data collection and use.  The paper is the product of a three year effort on the part of the Forum to develop an approach to protecting data that meets the needs of businesses and consumers in this emerging environment.  The paper may be found at www.informationpolicycentre.com.

Senior staff changes at the Federal Trade Commission have enhanced privacy’s profile within the agency.  Jessica Rich is the new Deputy Director of Consumer Protection.  Ms. Rich has been the Acting Associate Director responsible for the Division of Privacy and Identity Protection following nearly a decade as Assistant Director for the Division.  Rich has long been seen as the FTC’s staff’s privacy thought leader.  The new Privacy Division Associate Director is Maneesha Mithal.  Ms. Mithal brings a strong international background to the position.  The new Assistant Director is ...

In 1980, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (“OECD”) first published privacy guidelines that included an accountability principle.  Since that time, little work has been done to define accountability or to describe what it means for organizations to be accountable for the responsible use and protection of data.  In an effort to fill that gap, The Centre for Information Policy Leadership has authored “Data Protection Accountability: The Essential Elements” which articulates the conditions organizations would have to meet to be accountable.  The Accountability paper is the result of the Galway Accountability Project, an initiative facilitated by Ireland’s Office of the Data Protection Commissioner and co-sponsored by the OECD.  As the project’s secretariat, the Centre served as principal drafter of the Accountability paper, which considers the concept of accountability as it applies in the current data environment where data collection and use is ubiquitous, data flows are difficult or impossible to track, and jurisdictional issues abound as data crosses national borders.  The Galway Project enlisted specialists from twelve countries, and the participation of privacy protection agencies from Europe, Asia and North America.  Consumer advocates and business representatives also took part.  The Accountability paper will bring a critical international perspective to the dialogue on changing privacy law in Europe, the United States and Canada.

Federal Trade Commission Chairman Jon Leibowitz has appointed six senior staff members with extensive experience in the private sector, in the public interest community, in academia, and in government.

“We’re delighted to attract such a talented and creative group of people,” Leibowitz said. “Their leadership and expertise will help ensure that the Commission’s work on behalf of American consumers will continue to be effective. We’re very fortunate.”

The Centre for Information Policy Leadership provides the following thoughts on the Obama Administration's views on privacy:
 
The themes of President Obama’s inaugural address not only conveyed a strong message to the nation, but reflected current concerns about data governance shared by privacy professionals and policymakers as well.  His speech captured the importance of individual responsibility in public and personal life as America faces challenging economic times.  In demanding accountability from government, he required that the nation’s work be conducted “in the light of day -- because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.”  Obama’s remarks about the potent values of responsibility and accountability apply in the information-intensive world of business. 

For the third year in a row, Hunton & Williams LLP has been named the top firm for privacy by Computerworld magazine. In its third annual report on top privacy advisers, the poll surveyed corporate privacy leaders in North America and Europe. The firm was ranked #1 by the respondents overall and by those in the Fortune 1000. When respondents were broken out by industry, Hunton & Williams topped the list as “providing the best privacy advice” in every industry category, including the financial, technology, consumer products and retail, healthcare, media and entertainment, and manufacturing sectors.