As large numbers of people turn to video-teleconferencing (VTC) platforms to stay connected in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, reports of VTC hijacking (also called “zoom-bombing”) are emerging nationwide. The FBI has received multiple reports of conferences being disrupted by pornographic and/or hate images and threatening language. For example, two schools in Massachusetts reported the following incidents: A Massachusetts-based high school reported that while a teacher was conducting an online class using the teleconferencing…

Amid an everchanging legal landscape resulting from the spread of COVID-19, employers must remain mindful of properly responding to and addressing complaints expressed by employees. In response to the spread of COVID-19, many states have ordered non-essential businesses to close.  States are encouraging employers to allow employees to work remotely wherever possible.  Some employees with preexisting health conditions are expressing concern about continuing to work with coworkers. States have begun encouraging employees to report to…

In a letter to the President dated tomorrow (March 27, 2020), several hundred federal judges, former U.S. Attorneys, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, and Department of Justice (DOJ) officials are asking the government to implement a plan to dramatically reduce the number of incarcerated individuals in the federal prison system and to address “the threat of disastrous outbreaks” resulting from the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. A bipartisan group of 14 U.S. Senators sent a similar letter to…

As previously reported, the SEC is actively responding to the new wave of issues presented by the coronavirus (COVID-19).  However, as early as January 30, 2020, SEC Chairman Jay Clayton issued a statement identifying coronavirus as a potential concern. Chairman Clayton’s statement advised that he had instructed the staff to monitor and provide guidance to issuers regarding coronavirus-related disclosures.  Chairman Clayton highlighted the effect of coronavirus as “an uncertain issue where actual effects will…

Over the last few weeks, the SEC identified key initiatives it is implementing to address the effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on the nation and its financial markets. https://www.sec.gov/sec-coronavirus-covid-19-response The Commission stressed that it has remained fully operational and continues to process normal daily activities while undertaking additional initiatives to combat the impact of COVID-19.  Id.  It is continuously issuing new orders in response to the fast-changing landscape. On March 10, the Commission began transitioning…

The United States House Oversight and Reform Subcommittee on Government Relations is considering proposed changes to protections available to U.S. Intelligence Community (IC) whistleblowers. The Subcommittee’s January 28, 2020, public hearings received testimony from David K. Colapinto, National Whistleblower Center, Glenn A. Fine, U.S. Department of Defense, Elizabeth Hempowicz, Project on Government Oversight, Michael E. Horowitz, U.S. Department of Justice, and Paul Rosenzweig, R Street Institute. The witnesses emphasized that whistleblowers’ disclosures should be pursued…