Business Trending Topics

To help with your writing efforts, here’s what people are looking for in Business Law online. Trending topics culled from JD Supra, search analytics, social media conversations, and other sources:

Takeaways From CPPA Data Privacy Settlement With Honda 

Consider writing about:

The California Privacy Protection Agency’s recently announced settlement with American Honda Motor Co.; what to know about Honda’s alleged violations of the California Consumer Privacy Act; noteworthy settlement terms; what else stands out to you regarding the Agency’s investigation of Honda and the CPPA’s subsequent settlement with the company; related lessons for other companies on data privacy, compliance obligations, and ways to stay out of the crosshairs of CPPA or other privacy watchdogs.

Related information:

https://cppa.ca.gov/announcements/2025/20250312.html

What to Know About UK ‘Failure to Prevent Fraud’ Offense 

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The “failure to prevent fraud” offense that will go into effect in the United Kingdom on Sept. 1 of this year; to whom the measure applies; key types of fraud at issue; potential penalties or other liability risks that this legislation may give rise to; recommendations on how business entities can best meet related compliance obligations.

Texting Into Trouble: Tips and Traps 

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Legal trends and practical pointers regarding businesses’ use of text messages for marketing purposes. Consider examining any recent rulings or enforcement actions for noteworthy takeaways related to the do’s and don’ts of texting in accordance with federal or state laws.

State AG Priorities and Actions: What to Expect 

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Anticipated priority areas for state attorneys general in the months and years ahead. What issues are state AGs focusing on or perhaps even leading the charge regarding? How might state AGs’ priorities be shifting with the arrival of the second Trump administration? What noteworthy actions have already taken place in response to Trump 2.0? What other state AG actions should companies (generally speaking, or in the industry, state, or region of your choice) be watching for, and how should they be preparing?

What’s Ahead for CFIUS Under Trump 2.0? 

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The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States; what the new Trump administration’s “America First Investment Policy” will mean for CFIUS’ reviews, and other actions and processes involving that body; what else investors should know about the change in direction being set in motion by the Trump administration.

Software Provider Set to Pay $1M in Settlement With FTC 

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A recent $1 million settlement reached between the Federal Trade Commission and a software provider regarding the company’s claims about the performance of an AI-powered tool; what the enforcement action illustrates regarding practices the FTC deems deceptive; related trends involving the FTC’s attention to AI-related innovations.

Related information:

https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2025/01/ftc-order-requires-online-marketer-pay-1-million-deceptive-claims-its-ai-product-could-make-websites

What Does ‘Pause’ in FCPA Enforcement Mean for Businesses? 

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A Feb. 10 executive order issued by President Trump and what it portends for the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act; the Trump administration’s stated purpose for a180-day “pause” in the U.S. Department of Justice’s FCPA enforcement; when the “pause” goes into effect; what the “pause” means for pre-existing FCPA investigations and other actions by the DOJ; whether the Securities and Exchange Commission’s own FCPA-related activities will be continuing during that 180-day period; potential risks of suspending FCPA enforcement; how other countries enforce anti-bribery laws, and how a shift in United States enforcement could wind up backfiring for U.S.-based companies; how businesses should be thinking about their compliance programs in light of this executive order.

Related information:

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/02/14/2025-02736/pausing-foreign-corrupt-practices-act-enforcement-to-further-american-economic-and-national-security

What to Know About Recently Issued Draft Guidelines on EU AI Act 

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Draft guidelines issued by the European Commission on Feb. 4 regarding artificial intelligence; how good a job the guidelines do in clarifying what activities are prohibited according to the terms of the European Union’s AI Act; any noteworthy omissions or shortcomings that may exist in the commission’s draft guidelines; what else companies should know about the AI Act, its effective date, its enforcement, and their obligations and potential risks under the Act.

Related information:

https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/library/commission-publishes-guidelines-prohibited-artificial-intelligence-ai-practices-defined-ai-act

What Is the Outlook for Cuba Under Trump 2.0? 

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The U.S. government’s stance toward Cuba, now that Donald Trump is back in office; actions already taken, or being contemplated, by the new Trump administration; how they compare to actions taken during the Biden years or during the first Trump administration; what else U.S.-based businesses should be considering regarding any current or potential economic activities connected to Cuba.

How Businesses Can Protect Themselves From North Korea Remote Worker Fraud 

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Threats posed to businesses by remotely based IT workers affiliated with North Korea; how the remote worker scams are conducted; types of assets targeted by the scammers; red flags that companies should be on the lookout for; how employers can reduce the likelihood of being duped by this type of scam.

Related information:

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/two-north-korean-nationals-and-three-facilitators-indicted-multi-year-fraudulent-remote#

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/01/29/north-korea-jobs-indict-money-plot/77958927007

Implications of EU Ruling on Data Transfers 

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A January ruling by the General Court of the Court of Justice of the European Union; what the ruling in Bindl v. European Commission signals about grounds for damages and related liability risks involving personal data transfers; best practices for companies regarding data transfers and the General Data Protection Regulation.

Related information:

https://curia.europa.eu/jcms/upload/docs/application/pdf/2025-01/cp250001en.pdf

https://curia.europa.eu/juris/document/document.jsf?text=&docid=294090&pageIndex=0&doclang=EN&mode=lst&dir=&occ=first&part=1&cid=397223

How Federal Contractors Can Ride Out Changes Under Trump 2.0 

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How Trump administration actions may be giving rise to potential threats to government contracts; what federal contractors should know about relevant administration actions, whether through executive orders regarding DEI or through Office of Management and Budget memoranda or via Elon Musk’s so-called Department of Government Efficiency, and whether those actions are likely to withstand legal challenges; how contractors can avoid or minimize disruptions to their operations and related liability risks.

FTC Announces Record-Setting Penalty in ‘Gun Jumping’ Case 

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A record-setting civil penalty announced by the Federal Trade Commission this month over alleged “gun-jumping” behavior by crude oil producers; how company actions violated the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act; practical takeaways from the FTC’s findings and the $5.6 million penalty in this case; best practices when facing an investigation or other action by the FTC; how “gun jumping” risks may evolve under the Trump administration.

Related information:

https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2025/01/oil-companies-pay-record-ftc-gun-jumping-fine-antitrust-law-violation

Interlocking Directorate Trends and Liability Risks 

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Recent action by federal regulators regarding interlocking directorates; what to keep in mind about Section 8 of the Clayton Act and potential liability risks; related enforcement actions under either the Biden administration or the first Trump administration, and how enforcement on that front may play out under a new Trump administration.

Related information:

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/tencent-removes-two-directors-epic-games-and-relinquishes-its-right-unilaterally-appoint

https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/2323044openaimuskvaltmanamicusbrief.pdf

Takeaways From European Data Protection Board’s Opinion on AI and Personal Data 

Consider writing about:

An opinion issued on Dec. 18 by the European Data Protection Board; what to know about the Board’s authority and to whom this opinion applies; additional guidance for companies involved with artificial intelligence as their activities pertain to the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation; related enforcement trends.

Related information:

https://www.edpb.europa.eu/our-work-tools/our-documents/opinion-board-art-64/opinion-282024-certain-data-protection-aspects_en

What to Know About Blocked Steel Merger 

Consider writing about:

Noteworthy developments involving Nippon Steel’s proposed purchase of U.S. Steel; President Biden’s blocking of the nearly $15 billion deal; grounds for the companies’ lawsuit over Biden’s action; what this case illustrates regarding the role of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States regarding M&A deals; and perhaps a wider-angle look at any of the following issues: the state of steel manufacturing in the United States and globally; a comparison of approaches taken by the Biden administration and Trump administration on mergers and acquisitions; how national security concerns can impact M&A prospects; how companies can anticipate, and perhaps get ahead of, potential resistance to desired M&A deals.

Related information:

https://www.npr.org/2025/01/06/nx-s1-5249712/u-s-steel-japan-nippon-lawsuit

https://apnews.com/article/nippon-steel-japan-cfius-economy-biden-099564a3cddca587af0d7340e0c15ed6

New TCPA Rule Takes Effect 

Consider writing about:

A new Federal Communications Commission rule taking effect this month, involving the Telephone Consumer Protection Act; what to know about the one-to-one consent rule, and how it will affect consumers, businesses, and marketing efforts; and perhaps a reminder about best practices under the TCPA or an update regarding enforcement trends and repercussions for non-compliance.

Related information:

https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-408396A1.pdf

What’s Ahead for the FTC Under Trump 2.0? 

Consider writing about:

What the business community should be watching for from the Federal Trade Commission in the months ahead; how the FTC fared under the first Trump administration, and possible lessons to be gleaned from that period; likely shifts in FTC enforcement practices or other priorities or philosophies under a second Trump administration.

What to Know About EU’s Ban on Products That Rely on Use of Forced Labor 

Consider writing about:

A new law approved by the European Union in November, banning the sale of products made with forced labor; when the new law takes effect; how it defines forced labor; countries, products, and processes to which the new law applies; how the law will be enforced; potential penalties for compliance failures; steps that companies can take to prepare for the EU regulation on forced labor.

Related information:

https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2024/11/19/products-made-with-forced-labour-council-adopts-ban

Cleanup on Aisle Six: Grocery Chains’ Merger Deal Collapses 

Consider writing about:

The collapse of the planned merger between grocery chains Albertsons and Kroger; why two judges blocked the merger; what to make of the lawsuit that Albertsons has filed against Kroger in the wake of the merger deal’s collapse; how unusual is such a lawsuit in the M&A context, what are the pros and cons of filing, and what should a company consider before taking such an action; additional practical takeaways regarding the failed merger deal, pitfalls to avoid, and what to know about how the M&A environment could shift under a second Trump administration.

Related information:

https://apnews.com/article/kroger-albertsons-79e366723d7287b2df71d96730fba76e

Companies’ Handling of Consumer Location Data Lands Them in Trouble With FTC 

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Recent enforcement actions by the Federal Trade Commission regarding companies’ collection and sale of consumers’ sensitive location data; what stands out to you about these enforcement actions; related FTC trends involving data collection; how companies can stay on the FTC’s good side regarding data practices; whether regulatory and enforcement risks on this front are likely to lessen under the Trump administration.

Related information:

https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/12/ftc-takes-action-against-mobilewalla-collecting-selling-sensitive-location-data

https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/12/ftc-takes-action-against-gravy-analytics-venntel-unlawfully-selling-location-data-tracking-consumers

Takeaways From DOJ Antitrust Division’s Updated Guidance 

Consider writing about:

Updated guidance published on Nov. 12 by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division regarding corporate compliance programs; main goals of the guidance; what compliance officers and others should take from the guidance as it pertains to emerging or heightened risk areas and their own compliance efforts.

Related information:

https://www.justice.gov/atr/media/1376686/dl?inline=

Congressional Investigations: What May Lie Ahead 

Consider writing about:

The prospects for congressional investigations in a post-election landscape. Given the November election results, what should the business community be expecting in terms of likely congressional investigations? What industries or issues are likely to be priorities under the reshaped Congress, and what are the associated risk areas for the business community? How can businesses best anticipate, stay informed on, and prepare for congressional investigations and hearings? Consider whether to present some best practices, or perhaps a list of do’s and don’ts on navigating a congressional investigation.

Update: What to Know About Developments in Antitrust Case Against Google 

Consider writing about:

The latest developments in the U.S. Department of Justice’s antitrust case against Google; what to know about this week’s DOJ filing and the Department’s rationale for the company losing some key parts of its business, such as the Chrome browser; whether other tech companies could be facing similar demands from antitrust regulators; how the Google antitrust case compares to past high-level antitrust cases involving either the tech sector or other industries.

Related information:

https://www.npr.org/2024/11/20/g-s1-35111/after-a-court-win-the-justice-department-is-trying-to-make-google-sell-its-chrome-browser

Defense Contractor to Pay More Than $950M in FCPA Case 

Consider writing about:

An agreement by RTX Corp. (formerly known as Raytheon) to pay more than $950 million to resolve fraud and bribery allegations; factors contributing to the large dollar size of the settlement; practical takeaways for other companies regarding the feasibility of deferred prosecution agreements and regarding cooperation with independent monitors; and perhaps a wider-angle look at enforcement trends involving the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

Related information:

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/raytheon-company-pay-over-950m-connection-defective-pricing-foreign-bribery-and-export

https://apnews.com/article/raytheon-defense-contractor-qatar-bribery-3d495d19979bd17740a68fecdeda2f36

Export Control Reform Act: Noteworthy Developments 

Consider writing about:

Trends involving the Export Control Reform Act; key obligations under the Act; recent or otherwise noteworthy enforcement actions; how prosecutions involving the Export Control Reform Act are evolving.

Auto-Renewal Programs Getting Renewed Attention 

Consider writing about:

Noteworthy developments involving auto-renewal programs; recent federal or state enforcement, legislative, or litigation actions that companies should know about; how companies should be thinking about, and possibly revising or looking for alternatives to, their automatic renewal programs in light of increased scrutiny of these types of plans.

Related information:

https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/p064202_negative_option_rule.pdf

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-09-24/easy-to-cancel-subscriptions-new-state-law

DOJ Updates Its Guidance on Corporate Compliance Programs 

Consider writing about:

The U.S. Department of Justice’s recent update to its guidance for evaluating corporate compliance programs; how this update compares to prior versions of the guidance; most signIficant changes in the latest update; reasons for the changes; practical implications for companies’ compliance efforts and any potential areas of weakness or liability.

Related information:

https://www.justice.gov/criminal/criminal-fraud/page/file/937501/dl

https://www.justice.gov/opa/speech/principal-deputy-assistant-attorney-general-nicole-m-argentieri-delivers-remarks-society

Antitrust Enforcement at a Crossroads? 

Consider writing about:

The evolving antitrust landscape; the Biden administration’s scorecard on antitrust matters; how antitrust enforcement under either a Harris administration or a second Trump presidency is likely to look.