CA Lawmakers Take Aim at Crypto Industry Again; IL, WA Lawmakers Weigh Protections for Vloggers’ Kids & More

CA Lawmakers Trying Again to Regulate Crypto Industry

California lawmakers are considering legislation (AB 39) that would require digital asset companies to be licensed by the state and also impose new disclosure requirements on them intended to protect consumers. Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) vetoed a crypto licensing bill (AB 2269) that was overwhelmingly approved by state lawmakers last year, saying “a more flexible approach” was called for. Assemblymember Tim Grayson (D), the lead author of both measures, said: “It is clear that something is not right in crypto and people are getting hurt.” (PLURIBUS NEWS, STATE NET)

IL, WA Lawmakers Consider Protecting Vloggers’ Kids

Bills introduced this year in Illinois (SB 1782) and Washington (HB 1627) would require family vloggers—who make money by documenting and sharing their families’ lives on platforms like YouTube and TikTok—to set aside some of their earnings for their children. The proposals would also allow vloggers’ children to request the removal of videos of them when they turn 18. (PLURIBUS NEWS, STATE NET)

MN Targets ‘Deep Fake’ Technology

Companion bills introduced this month in Minnesota (HB 1370 and SB 1394) would establish a cause of action for disseminating “deep fake” sexual images without the consent of the depicted individual. The measures would also make using deep fake technology to influence an election a crime punishable by imprisonment of up to 90 days or a fine of up to $1,000, or both, for a first offense and imprisonment of up to five years or a fine of up to $10,000, or both, for a repeat offense. (STAR TRIBUNE [MINNEAPOLIS], STATE NET)

CO Senate Committee Advances Gig Driver Pay Transparency Bill

The Colorado Senate’s Business, Labor and Technology Committee approved a bill (SB 98) that would require app-based transportation companies like Uber, Lyft and DoorDash to disclose how much they pay their drivers and what the companies themselves earn. The bill is now being considered by the chamber’s Appropriations Committee. (PLURIBUS NEWS, STATE NET)

SCOTUS Weighing Whether Twitter Liable for Terrorist Content

The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments last week in Twitter v. Taamneh, a case revolving around the issue of whether social media platforms can be held liable for failing to remove terrorist content. The justices appeared disinclined to overhaul the key legal provision at issue, Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which shields social media platforms from liability for content posted by users. (CNBC)

SEC Looking at Major Stablecoin

Paxos Trust Company, the firm that, together with the crypto exchange Binance, is responsible for Binance USD, is reportedly in talks with the SEC, after the agency informed the firm the token should have been registered as a security and the agency was considering taking action against it. The discussions could produce guidelines about what stablecoin activities may be subject to regulatory scrutiny. (REUTERS)

‘Right to Repair’ Ballot Measure Advances in ME

The Maine Secretary of State’s Office said last week that backers of a “Right to Repair” ballot initiative had submitted enough valid signatures to send the proposal to the Legislature, which can either approve it or place it on the state’s November ballot. If enacted the measure would enable vehicle owners to use independent repair shops or do their own repairs instead of having to rely on manufacturers and dealers. (PORTLAND PRESS HERALD)

—Compiled by KOREY CLARK