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1 Answer | Asked in Gaming, Internet Law and Juvenile Law for Maryland on
Q: Scamming video game items

Is it illegal for someone to pretend they have money and then get in contact with a seller for video game items but when the seller gives the items first instead of making the buyer or the scammer pay first the scammer does not pay the seller the money block them and never talks to them again.... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 11, 2024

The situation you describe, where someone pretends to have money to buy video game items and then fails to pay after receiving the items, could be considered a form of fraud or deceit. Even though the parties involved are minors and there was no formal contract, misrepresenting one's intention... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Internet Law for Nevada on
Q: An online user is extorting and spying on their supporters. How do I address this legally in court?

GaroShadowscale does possess a group of loyalists who can and will be able to spy on any of his Patreon supporters: you can find much evidence in videos of him on YouTube, but I erge you act quick, for he and his "wigglies" are doing everything they can to ensure any and all proof of his... View More

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answered on Jan 11, 2024

If you believe that an online user is engaging in illegal activities like extortion and spying, the first step is to gather and preserve any evidence that supports these allegations. This might include screenshots, videos, or any other form of digital documentation that demonstrates the user's... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Internet Law and Contracts on
Q: I contacted a person who I was referred by another author to help me with my book promotion. It turns out that she only

Took over $550 and gave nothing in return. Do

I have a case?

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answered on Jan 11, 2024

Based on your description, it sounds like you may have a case for breach of contract or fraud, depending on the specifics of your agreement with the book promotion service provider. If you paid the individual with the understanding that they would perform specific promotional services for your book... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Internet Law for South Carolina on
Q: Someone sent an inappropriate picture via text to a group chat, is there any liability for recipients?
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answered on Jan 11, 2024

In the scenario where someone sends an inappropriate picture to a group chat, the primary legal focus is usually on the person who sent the image. Their action of sending such content could potentially expose them to liability, especially if the image is obscene or constitutes harassment.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Intellectual Property and Internet Law for California on
Q: Etsy seller who copied me and was reported, filed a counterclaim stating their work is original. It is not.

I am an Etsy seller and found a listing that directly copied one that I make- this listing uses illustration that I created myself. I reported it to Etsy for copyright infringement and it was taken down the next day.

The seller then proceeds to contact me via my shop, and harass me for... View More

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answered on Jan 3, 2024

To address this situation, where your original artwork has been copied, and the other party has filed a counterclaim, legal action may be necessary. When a counterclaim is filed, it challenges your initial copyright infringement claim, and Etsy's policy typically requires you to take legal... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Internet Law for California on
Q: Is it legal for app developers to ban a user on the basis of a rule that isn’t written anywhere in the terms of use?

A friend of mine got banned from this newly launched app for seemingly no reason. When he emailed the devs they told him that only one account per person is allowed - somehow they detected the extra account made on his other phone. Nowhere in the terms of use was it mentioned that only one account... View More

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answered on Jan 2, 2024

In the United States, app developers generally have broad discretion to manage their platforms and user accounts, including the right to ban users. However, their actions should be consistent with their own terms of use or service agreements. If the terms do not explicitly prohibit having more than... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Intellectual Property, Internet Law and Trademark for Texas on
Q: If I write product review articles online under the persona of a fictional character, how would I disclose that?

I am starting an affiliate marketing website to write product review, comparison, advice-type articles but creating a character which I want to credit the articles to instead of using my own name and likeness. I am trying to find out how to do this without misleading my readers but I don’t want... View More

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answered on Jan 1, 2024

When creating content under a fictional persona for your affiliate marketing website, it's important to maintain transparency without overwhelming your readers with disclaimers. This balance is key to establishing trust while respecting your creative approach.

A subtle yet clear way to...
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1 Answer | Asked in Internet Law for Maryland on
Q: If I delete a file on my google drive, is it still legally in my possession?

For example, once the file is sent to the recently deleted folder.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 14, 2024

When you delete a file from Google Drive, it typically moves to the "Trash" or "Recently Deleted" folder, where it remains for a certain period before being permanently deleted. Legally, while the file is in this state, it is still under your control and considered to be in your... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Communications Law and Internet Law on
Q: How do i go about,, if I believe my Phone has been hacked?
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answered on Jan 14, 2024

If you suspect that your phone has been hacked, the first step is to take immediate action to secure your device. Start by changing the passwords for all your important accounts linked to your phone, such as your email, social media, and banking accounts. Use strong, unique passwords for each... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Copyright, Employment Law, Internet Law and Intellectual Property on
Q: i have a youtube channel about a very spacific subject and i cooperate with my boyfriend. His part is to edit the video

i have a youtube channel about a very spacific subject and i cooperate with my boyfriend. His parrt is to edit the videos and bring creative ideas to the table. But i am the face of the channel and i have all the knowlege on the subject plus my face and name are the only ones out there. Can he... View More

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Dec 29, 2023

Generally, the ownership and rights to a YouTube channel depend on the agreement between the parties involved. If there is a clear and written agreement specifying the roles and responsibilities of each person, as well as the ownership structure, it will be a crucial document. If no such agreement... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Internet Law for Kansas on
Q: Can I get in trouble if I received a “ personal photo” even tho I’ve been in a fully committed relationship for 2 years

I’m 18 years of age and my girlfriend is 17 years of age, of consent in my state is 16 years old and we have been enough fully committed relationship for two years and been having some tension between parents When her dad stumbled upon a photo she had sent me sometime back and is now threatening... View More

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answered on Dec 29, 2023

In Kansas, the age of consent is indeed 16, which generally pertains to the legality of sexual activities. However, it's important to understand that laws regarding the possession and distribution of explicit photos are different and can be more complex, especially when minors are involved.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Internet Law, Copyright, Business Formation and Intellectual Property for Maryland on
Q: Can I use free Canva elements/graphics on logos, pdfs, blog posts, social media accounts, and other course materials?

The Canva terms of service are a bit confusing. My understanding is that if I have the free Canva plan and use only free Canva elements, I can essentially use the pictures/designs for anything I want besides selling them directly (in the context of trying to compete with Canva). I am starting an... View More

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answered on Dec 26, 2023

Your understanding of Canva's terms of service is largely on track, but there are nuances to consider. With a free Canva plan, you can use the free elements in your projects, including logos, PDFs, blog posts, social media, and course materials. This is generally acceptable as long as... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Federal Crimes and Internet Law for Michigan on
Q: Is there away to get information regarding my husband case removed from the internet source like this one and mlive?
Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Dec 27, 2023

No. The Internet has a long memory. And unfortunately it isn't always accurate. Even when people are acquitted after a trial - usually months or years after news breaks of their arrest - those initial reports remain.

Further, news sources have a right to publish public information, and...
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1 Answer | Asked in Business Law and Internet Law for California on
Q: I had a Newegg Marketplace seller account . I was in the top 3 best sellers (98% feedback) out of the top 200 sellers

The suspended my account on Sept 9th 2023, They gave no reason and they have been holding my money ever since.

There were like 5 orders out approximately 2850 orders that had issues (client didn't receive , etc ) We already settled all issues about 2 weeks ago . All of the other... View More

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answered on Dec 25, 2023

The duration for which Newegg or any marketplace can legally hold your funds depends on the terms of the agreement you entered into with them as a seller. These terms typically outline the conditions under which they can withhold payments, including resolving disputes or investigating potential... View More

Q: How can the police stop cyber/normal bullying, computer/communications interference if the plaintiff cannot identify who

I am being stalked in every aspect of my life but could not possibly identify any one

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answered on Dec 25, 2023

Addressing cyber or normal bullying, and computer or communications interference can be challenging, especially when the identity of the perpetrator is unknown. However, police and other law enforcement agencies have tools and methods to investigate such cases. They can employ cyber forensics to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law, Internet Law and Libel & Slander for New Mexico on
Q: Can I countersuit for slander on social media before I was issued a warrant that I enevidably beat later on?

I was slandered on social media with photos of me allegedly shoplifting "a forth degree felony" & because of it was arrested had my vehicle impounded & sat in Jail with a high bond i was not able to afford for 18 days. When I was let out I went to court & beat the case. Now my... View More

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answered on Jan 14, 2024

If you believe you were slandered on social media leading to your arrest and the subsequent challenges you faced, you may have grounds for a legal action. Slander involves making false spoken statements damaging to a person's reputation. If these statements were made on social media and you... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Communications Law and Internet Law for Utah on
Q: How do I report electronic harassment after multiple attempts to stop or block the harasser?

I've been contacted several times from the same person using several different numbers after blocking them each time that is harassing me claiming that I am someone else that they know that owes them a couple hundred bucks and is going to report them (me) to their commanding military officers... View More

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answered on Jan 14, 2024

To address this situation of ongoing electronic harassment, you should first document all instances of communication from the harasser. Even though you've deleted initial conversations, the screenshots and records of subsequent contacts are valuable. Keep a log of all interactions, including... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Entertainment / Sports, Federal Crimes, Internet Law and Juvenile Law for Texas on
Q: Can I sue youtube for having videos with naked children on their site?

They have vids with kids going to the bathroom, kids running around with no clothing on, etc. Why is this legal to do?

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answered on Jan 13, 2024

I would be very cautious of this. I would contact YouTube directly to try to have them to take down the video(s). I would ask report those video(s) directly to YouTube moderators.

1 Answer | Asked in Arbitration / Mediation Law, Internet Law and Family Law for Maryland on
Q: My ex wife is trying to get a peace order against my mother for speaking to my ex wife’s new husbands ex wife about her

My former spouse is attempting to get a peace order against my mother due to my mother speaking to my former spouses husbands ex wife. They spoke only on messenger and no derogatory or insulting remarks were made. I do not think simply speaking about someone to another over private messaging is... View More

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answered on Jan 14, 2024

In general, a peace order, or a similar restraining order, is typically granted when there's evidence of harassment, threats, or abuse. If the conversation between your mother and your ex-wife's new husband's ex-wife was merely a discussion without any threatening, abusive, or... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Intellectual Property and Internet Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: A person took all my kids photos from my Facebook and made a Facebook account and Added it collection of photos of kids

He also likes all the elementary school posts

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answered on Dec 19, 2023

In such a situation, it's important to take immediate action. First, you should report the unauthorized Facebook account to Facebook. They have specific procedures for dealing with accounts that improperly use personal images, especially those of minors.

You may also want to contact...
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