News and Notes – Garon Digital

Dall-E composite image of a computer sitting at a computer in the center of the world in the center of the universe

ChatGPT, Dall-E, and Generative IP Raise Profound Issues for Business and Society

Generative AI is fundamentally different than other forms of AI because it reflects a new form of automation in which the creative output upon which all societies depend may now be generated by narrow AI systems that do not actually understand what they are producing.[10] The power of a generative AI to compete with humans to tell stories, make music, and create art would trigger significant upheavals across a multitude of industries; to unleash that power to a machine not yet capable of assessing its own creative work makes those implications pale in comparison.

March 22, 2023

| Category: Uncategorized

Inferential Surveillance

I will be presenting at a program for Florida Blue Cross Blue Shield (or just FloridaBlue) soon. As part of that program, I walk attendees through the fundamentals of privacy and cybersecurity, helping them identify how to protect themselves from hackers and phisher, from misuse of their information by employers, and misuse of their information […]

September 28, 2022

| Category: Cybersecurity, Digital Divide, Fourth Amendment, Free Speech, Privacy

Integrating Intellectual Property To Grow Your Business

A three-session free lunch-and-learn program of the Blue Ridge Community and Technical College Noon to 1:30 September 14th, October 18th, and November 16th Presented by Professor Jon M. Garon, Director, Intellectual Property, Cybersecurity, and Technology Law program at Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law Register here. In a series of three online workshops, […]

September 6, 2022

| Category: Copyright

Fourth Amendment Applies to Public School Electronic Search of Home’s Bedroom for the First Time

In Ogletree v. Cleveland State University a judge ruled this week that the use of electronic room scans conducted using software from Respondus and Honorlock can potentially violate the Fourth Amendment. As state institutions, the software constitutes a government search. CSU does not require or even recommend room scans, but the products automatically include this […]

August 25, 2022

| Category: Cyberbullying, Fourth Amendment, Free Speech

Jon Garon, Legal Implications of the Metaverse

Legal Strategies for the Metaverse and the Evolving Media Landscape

Here is information on a recent ABA Business Law Section Cyberspace Committee presentation. I have attached the slide deck and link to the draft paper. This program will explore 2021’s significant changes to streaming, gaming, and online social engagement with an emphasis on the rapid growth of virtual reality, augmented reality, and the implications of […]

January 21, 2022

| Category: Copyright, Cybersecurity, Facebook, Free Speech, Metaverse, Online Learning

Peloton Cannot Veto Use of Bike on TV

The use of trademarked goods in film and television always draws a great deal of attention and confusion. This week HBO’s “Sex and the City” sequel series “And Just Like That” drew tremendous attention when a favorite character from Sex and the City, “Mr. Big,” played by Chris Noth appears briefly in the debut episode […]

December 13, 2021

| Category: Free Speech, Trademark

Thought on the Legal Strategies for the Metaverse

I will be presenting a 90-minute talk on the legal implications of a metaverse and how the potential for the next phase of virtual worlds will be substantially different than those of Second Life and the earlier efforts. The program will be presented at the American Bar Association, Business Law Section Cyberspace Committee Jan. 19, […]

November 27, 2021

| Category: Copyright, Cybersecurity, Facebook, Videogames

Instagram revelations are not new, but Facebook’s duplicity has been highlighted

On September 14, 2021, the Wall Street Journal exposed internal reports of Facebook, the parent company for Instagram, that demonstrated the continuing harm to some of its adolescent users – even as the company’s CEO was testifying before Congress that no such harms existed.[1] According to the Wall Street Journal story, internal reports provided damning […]

September 19, 2021

| Category: Cyberbullying, Facebook, Health, Parenting, Privacy, Screen Time

Johansson v. Disney

Johansson v. Disney on Podcast

I recently spoke to the Legal Talk Network about the ongoing dispute between award-winning actor Scarlett Johansson and the Walt Disney Company over its decision to release Black Widow on Disney+ at the same time as it released the film in theaters. You can find the podcast here: Black Widow v. Disney There is a […]

August 19, 2021

| Category: Copyright, Uncategorized

National Cybersecurity Day Jan. 28th

This week marks National Cybersecurity Day. The National Cybersecurity Alliance is promoting public information and awareness on the need for greater understanding of individual privacy rights and the infrastructure needed to protect those rights. Civil liberties are only free if they are protected. As we grapple with the increasing power of private corporations, public agencies, […]

January 25, 2021

| Category: Cybersecurity, Privacy

Free Speech on Campus and in Online Education

Please join us for a talk on Free Speech on Campus and in Online Education presented by the NSU Shepard Broad College of Law and the NSU Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice. Wednesday, February 3, 20216:00 p.m. The open webinar can be accessed here: https://www.nova.edu/alumni/events/index.html This free presentation and discussion will […]

January 15, 2021

| Category: Cyberbullying, Digital Divide, Free Speech, Online Learning

Tinker v. Des Moines

Supreme Court to Address Off-Campus Student Speech

High school junior varsity cheerleader B.L. did not make the varsity squad. Frustrated that she was passed over by a freshman, B.L. posted a picture of herself with her middle fingers raised, using the caption “fuck cheer” to Snapchat. As a result, she was suspended from the junior varsity team for a year, and like […]

January 9, 2021

| Category: Cyberbullying, Free Speech

students at study

Online Students Outperforming Early Predictions

Data gaps also highlight different outcomes for students depending on income and race A new study of MAP Growth testing for students in grades 3-8 have provided some promising suggestions that the effort to move schools online has not harmed development in reading or math education. A comprehensive study of national test data by NWEA show that […]

December 1, 2020

| Category: Digital Divide, Online Learning, Parenting

Remember to be Cyber Safe this Black Friday

With most of us shopping online rather than in person this year, Black Friday should include not only the drive to find the best deals, but also the need to be safe when shopping online. This weekend will likely set new U.S. records for online shopping, so it is more important than ever to stay […]

November 27, 2020

| Category: Cybersecurity, Privacy, Uncategorized

Nintendo switch

Pew Center Provides Detailed Report on Digital Parenting

Two-thirds of parents in the U.S. say parenting is harder today than it was 20 years ago, with many citing technologies – like social media or smartphones – as a reason.

November 23, 2020

| Category: Parenting, Pew Center, Screen Time, Uncategorized

NFTs, Metaverse, and More at ABA Business Law Section Annual Meeting

For those attending the ABA Business Law Section Annual Meeting (either in person or virtually), I have two upcoming events in DC: The Digital Media, Gaming & Entertainment Subcommittee of the Cyberspace Committee invites you to attend our upcoming open committee meeting with the title New Media, New Regulators, and New Court Friday 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM Eastern Morgan, Lobby Level – […]

September 9, 2022

| Category: Cybersecurity, Digital Divide, Metaverse, Privacy, Videogames