| Volume 102 Number 5 |
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The People’s Lawyer’s Tip of the Day
"I agree" may mean more than you think. Every time you enter into an agreement on the internet you check a small box saying "I agree." Be careful what you agree to. It may look like a small box but it usually goes on for many pages. My advice is don't click until you read everything.
For more general information about the law, check out my website.
Click here for more.
California Law to Protect Online Reviews
In California, it's now safe to express an opinion about a business without fear of legal or financial trouble. Last week, California Governor Jerry Brown signed a law that prohibits businesses from pursuing legal action against customers who leave negative reviews.
The new law bans "disparagement clauses" within businesses' terms of service. If a business tries to enforce such a clause, it will be subject to a $2,500 penalty for the first offense and $5,000 for each additional offense. An additional $10,000 will be tacked on if it is considered "willful, intentional or reckless."
A New York company has attempted to fine wedding parties
$500 for each negative online review left by a member of their party.
Will other states follow California's lead?
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5 Million Gmail Passwords Leak Online
When five million Gmail usernames and passwords leaked online last week, many users were concerned. Google services have become embedded in our lives, often housing our email, documents, spreadsheets, photographs, and more. We trust that Google will protect our information, and hope that it has security strong enough to prevent a breach.
So how did the credentials get online?
According to Google, there was no data leak on its end. Instead, the company suggests that the usernames and passwords were harvested over a series of hacks of other non-Google websites and/or maleware on personal computers.
Are your Google credentials safe?
If you don't change your password regularly, you should. Further, it needs to be complex enough that it won't be easily guessed by a hacking software. However, Google insists that only 2% of the username and password combinations have worked. Additionally, Google has built-in systems to recognize and block unusual logins.
Were your Google credentials leaked online?
There are now many sites online that allow Google users to find out if their information was part of the leak. Avoid them unless you're absolutely certain it's a trusted site. Instead, just change your password and examine your login history for any inconsistencies.
Click here for more.
Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Home
It can be really easy to make some mistakes when you buy a home. This is especially true if it's your first time!
Many of the mistakes home buyers make can be easily avoided.
What are some mistakes that you could make when buying a home? How can you avoid them?
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Your Money
Evaluate your company pension payout options!
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For the Lawyers
Arbitration clause requiring only one party must arbitrate, allowing other to litigate, is unenforceable.
The Arkansas Supreme Court held that an arbitration clause was unenforceable due to a lack of mutuality because one party reserved the right to litigate.
Click here for more.