1. Mobile App Development? There’s a Law for That!

    Privacy, security, and compliance (especially as it pertains to financial transactions and e-commerce). According to recent commentary from leading law firms, this is what holds the attention of regulators and developers focused on the mobile space. See:

    - GSMA Releases Privacy Design Guidelines to Increase Privacy Considerations for Mobile Apps (Proskauer)

    “According to the GSM Association (GSMA), a global organization representing the interests of roughly 1,000 mobile operators and companies, ‘[a] critical factor for the sustainable development of [the mobile] eco-system is a robust and effective framework for the protection of privacy, where users can continue to have confidence and trust in mobile applications and services.’ The GSMA’s new Privacy Guidelines provide a foundation for that framework…” Read on»

    - The FTC Warns Developers of Children’s Mobile Apps Concerning Their Failure to Adequately Disclose their Data Practices to Parents (White & Case)

    “On February 16, 2012, the Federal Trade Commission released a report admonishing developers of mobile applications directed to children for failing to adequately disclose their data practices on their app store pages and the first page (‘landing page’) of their websites prior to parents and users downloading the apps. The FTC Report was based on a survey carried out by the FTC where FTC staff reviewed the app Store pages and developer landing pages of 200 Android apps and 200 Apple apps for the apps data collection and sharing practices…” Read on»

    - App Industry Begins to Regulate Itself on Data Privacy – With Nudge From Government (Ifrah Law):

    “The data free-for-all that’s been enjoyed by the app industry is over … more or less. No longer should the industry expect to collect and use customer data – so accessible and abundant in smartphones and tablets – without notice to its customers. Since the Path fiasco (and the revelation of other major data collection controversies), data collection practices by companies with mobile applications have come under increased scrutiny on a number of levels. Congress, federal regulators (like the FTC), state regulators (like the California Attorney General), consumer advocacy groups and the media are in action mode…” Read on»

    - Privacy Policies of Mobile Apps Falling Under Increased Scrutiny by State and Federal Regulators (K&L Gates)

    “…Following the FTC report, the California attorney general announced a non-binding agreement between the state and six leading mobile app platforms that is likely to increase pressure on various participants in the mobile app arena to disclose their information collection practices through privacy policies. In addition, the White House recently proposed a “Consumer Privacy Bill of Rights” which encourages the development of legally enforceable codes of conduct, including for mobile apps.” Read on»

    - House Subcommittee Investigates Mobile Payment Security and Regulation (Davis Wright Tremaine)

    “The House Financial Services Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit held a hearing on March 22, 2012 on ‘The Future of Money: How Mobile Payments Could Change Financial Services.’ Four panelists testified…” and here’s a quick overview of what they said. With links to further reading… Read on»

    - Anticipating, Understanding and Preparing for New Rules for a New Mobile World (Davis Wright Tremaine)

    Also by DWTLaw, a 45-slide presentation from the recent Advanced Commerce and Mobile Retail Service Summit. Includes: overview of mobile payments ecosystem, financial privacy requirements, data security and PCI compliance, and more… See slides»

    - Mobile Commerce - Media MindShare Thought Leadership Series (Loeb & Loeb LLP)

    “In this recent video segment of Loeb & Loeb’s new Media MindShare Leadership Series, Kenneth Florin, partner and chair of the firm’s Advanced Media and Technology Department, and Christopher McCleary, Associate General Counsel of VISA Inc. discuss key challenges facing companies involved in mobile commerce today, as well as differences in the way it is being used in the U.S. and in developing countries across the globe…”

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    Also see our roundup on the recent mobile privacy initiative in the Golden State. Includes legal updates specifically on that topic:

    California AG Signs Privacy Agreement with Mobile App Providers»

    …

    Bonus link: iPhone Developer Legal Guide (posted in 2010)

Notes

  1. jdsupra posted this