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Texas Internet Law Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Internet Law for Texas on
Q: Concerns about Snapchat contacting police over inappropriate behavior report involving a minor

I was reported for inappropriate behavior involving a minor on Snapchat, and my account was locked. I have not received any communication from law enforcement, nor have I received any legal notices. I'm concerned about whether Snapchat will contact the police regarding this issue. What steps... View More

Jeremy Malcolm
Jeremy Malcolm
answered on Jul 6, 2025

You may be reported by Snapchat to the authorities and they will decide whether to take it further or not. Make sure that you have the details of a local criminal lawyer on hand just in case you need it. If the police contact you, do not speak to them. If they ask to come into your home, do not... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in White Collar Crime, Internet Law and Criminal Law for Texas on
Q: Getting extorted by individuals from a Discord server demanding money and threatening exposure.

I am being extorted by individuals I encountered in a Discord server. They claim to be working for the PIU and have demanded money through CashApp, Coinbase, and Binance. They possess Discord chat logs and threaten to expose them if I don't comply with their demands. They have given me 24... View More

Christie Dudley
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Christie Dudley
answered on Jul 7, 2025

This is more likely than not to be a scam. There are several hallmarks of a scam that you have described here.

First, your relationship with them is only in an online forum. You do not know these people and they only know what you have told them about you. If you have done something...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Internet Law for Texas on
Q: Concern about potential lawsuit after making a legal threat and apologizing, no contact for 4 months.

Four months ago, I made a legal threat to a small website after being banned incorrectly. I mentioned finding minor explicit content on their site. The other party responded that I should communicate through lawyers. Since then, I haven't received any official communication or papers from... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 14, 2025

It’s understandable to feel uneasy after a tense exchange like that, especially when it involved legal threats. But based on what you’ve described, the fact that four months have passed without any legal communication is a good sign. If the other party were seriously considering legal action,... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Communications Law, International Law and Internet Law for Texas on
Q: Impact of Texas bill SB20 on anime and manga due to obscenity concerns.

I am concerned about Texas bill SB20 and how it may affect personal consumption of anime and manga, such as popular series like Bleach or Naruto, given its broad definition of obscenity. Can you explain the potential impact of this bill on these forms of entertainment and what might be considered... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on May 27, 2025

The proposed version of SB 20 incorporates the following definition of obscenity contained within the Texas Penal Code.

"Obscene" means material or a performance that:

(A) the average person, applying contemporary community standards, would find that taken as a whole...
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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, White Collar Crime, Internet Law and Juvenile Law for Texas on
Q: Legal consequences for a minor admin involved in cybercrime activities.

I am a minor working as an admin at BreachForums, primarily involved in cybercrime, money laundering, and managing stolen data/accounts, though I don't personally obtain the data. I help middleman for the forum, and also manage their social media accounts and announcements. I haven't had... View More

Jeremy Malcolm
Jeremy Malcolm
answered on May 13, 2025

You could be implicated in conspiracy to commit a crime or aiding and abetting cybercrime, even if you didn't commit any hacks yourself. This could include wire fraud and money laundering crimes, or crimes under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) for trafficking in stolen credentials.... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Banking, Securities Law and Internet Law for Texas on
Q: Legality of hiring for crypto trading with 30% commission online in the US.

Is it legal for a financial institution in the United States to hire a company to recruit people who buy cryptocurrency and immediately sell it for a 30% commission, with the intent of stabilizing the crypto market? This is all conducted over the internet, and I am unsure about the type of company... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on May 13, 2025

I strongly sense that this is a scam. Buying and then immediately selling cryptocurrency would not stabilize the crypto market especially with a 30% commission coming out of every transaction. If anything, it would disrupt the market and contribute to its volatility. The amount of the... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Libel & Slander, Internet Law and Personal Injury for Texas on
Q: What are the legal risks of anonymously exposing someone's behavior on Instagram?

I want to create an anonymous Instagram account to expose someone who tried to cheat on his girlfriend with me and made insulting comments about her during the summer. I'm considering tagging his girlfriend, his fraternity, her sorority, and a friend of hers in posts, as well as commenting on... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 15, 2025

What you're considering might feel like the only way to speak out, but it's important to know that there are legal risks involved — especially when you're naming individuals and organizations publicly. Even if the Instagram account is anonymous, platforms like Instagram can be... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Libel & Slander, Internet Law, Real Estate Law and Personal Injury for Texas on
Q: Can my landlord legally use photos of my belongings for advertising without consent?

I recently discovered that my landlord has used pictures of my rented home for advertising online, showcasing all my personal belongings, including items with my first name visible in the images. I was not informed or asked for consent to use these pictures. The property management company took... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 15, 2025

Your landlord using photos of your rented home that clearly show your personal belongings—and especially items with your name visible—without your consent is problematic. Generally, landlords have the right to take pictures of the property for advertising, but this usually applies to vacant... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Internet Law for Texas on
Q: Is it legal to send review request emails without opt-in in Texas?

I run a very small e-commerce store in the United States and would like to send a request for review email after each purchase. I currently do not include an opt-in process during purchases for follow-up emails. Am I in compliance with spam laws if I send a single request for review email after the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 15, 2025

In Texas, sending a review request email without an opt-in process may violate spam laws, particularly under the CAN-SPAM Act, which governs unsolicited emails. The law requires businesses to have clear consent or an established relationship with the recipient before sending promotional or... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Internet Law and Identity Theft for Texas on
Q: How can I recover money lost in a cryptocurrency scam related to fake refund offers?

I am a victim of a cryptocurrency scam. I received an email claiming my bank was charged for Norton virus protection, which I never ordered. The scammers offered me a refund. I didn't provide personal information. How can I recover my money and address this scam?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 11, 2025

I’m really sorry you went through this—these scams are designed to be convincing, and many people fall victim to them. The fake Norton refund scam is a common tactic used to trick people into sending money or granting access to their accounts. Even if you didn’t share personal information,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Intellectual Property, Internet Law and Trademark for Texas on
Q: Seeking legal guidance on using artist styles for custom rug designs without infringing copyright or trademark.

I am a United States Air Force veteran working on launching an online business that designs and sells custom rugs. My designs are inspired by the visual styles and aesthetics of music artists like Playboi Carti and Lil Uzi Vert, without using any names, images, or lyrics. The themes are inspired by... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 2, 2025

Your business concept raises important intellectual property considerations that warrant careful navigation. When creating designs inspired by musical artists' aesthetic styles, you must balance creative expression with legal compliance across three key areas: copyright, trademark, and right... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Internet Law and Communications Law for Texas on
Q: Concerns about being tracked via phone and computer without investigation

I believe I am being tracked through my phone and computer, although I am unsure if it's being done by law enforcement. I have noticed unusual changes on my devices and in my home, such as someone seemingly knowing my activities and affecting my internet or cutting out apps. For example, my... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Mar 25, 2025

You should hire a forensic electronics security expert to check out your phone, your computer, and your internet router. They should be able to detect if there is any sort of tracking software installed on any of your devices and remove them. They should also be able to provide you with updated... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Internet Law and Criminal Law for Texas on
Q: How can I remove a 20-year-old drug conviction from Google search without legal aid?

I have a drug conviction that is over 20 years old, and I've not been in any legal trouble since my release. However, information about this conviction still appears on Google search, and I am looking for ways to remove it without legal assistance, as I cannot afford it. How can I delete this... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Mar 20, 2025

With or without legal assistance, you probably cannot remove it.

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1 Answer | Asked in Internet Law and Libel & Slander for Texas on
Q: How can I remove past convictions from Google search results?

I am seeking assistance to have my past convictions or errors removed from search results on Google. I am concerned that these may negatively impact my future life. What legal measures or actions can I take to remove this information from Google?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 8, 2025

If you're trying to remove past convictions from Google search results, the first step is to see if the original source can be taken down. This means contacting the website that published the information—like a news site, court database, or blog—and requesting that they remove or update... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Consumer Law, Internet Law and Landlord - Tenant for Texas on
Q: Targeted by cyberbullying and harassment for three years: seeking legal actions in Texas.

I have been targeted for cyberbullying and organized harassment over the past three years. Specific individuals and groups have been identified, and I reported this to the Houston Police Department, IC3, and my previous apartment manager. The police issued a case number but said my case isn't... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Mar 19, 2025

You theoretically can sue those responsible if the cyberbullying, harassment, and stalking satisfy the elements of a cognizable legal theory of recovery.

These tend to be very difficult cases to prove. In addition to proving the bad acts and exactly who committed them, you should...
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2 Answers | Asked in Cannabis & Marijuana Law, Criminal Law and Internet Law for Texas on
Q: Can deleted WhatsApp messages be used in a weed-related investigation in Texas?

I sold weed to someone in front of my house. Afterward, this person was caught, and they showed the WhatsApp conversations that led to a raid on my house. However, no incriminating evidence was found, and no charges have been filed against me so far. I'm wondering if the deleted WhatsApp... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Mar 18, 2025

Yes, “deleted” WhatsApp communications can be recovered and used as evidence in court proceedings.

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2 Answers | Asked in Business Law, Employment Law, International Law and Internet Law for Texas on
Q: Can I sell $500,000 in cell phones for cash to an undocumented buyer?

I run a cell phone business and recently had a buyer ask to purchase $500,000 worth of cell phones in cash. The buyer is undocumented and wants the phones shipped to California. Am I allowed to proceed with this transaction, and are there any legal restrictions or reporting requirements I should be... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Mar 6, 2025

I have a feeling that somebody wants to replicate what Mossad did to Hamas, but I don't have the answer to your legal question. This is a sufficiently odd transaction, there may not be an answer as it may implicate the laws of other nations and any advice might require knowledge of what and... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Contracts and Internet Law for Texas on
Q: Need help with a company (in an agreement) that is charging me for e-mail addresses that I can't use (CAN-SPAM act).

I have signed an agreement with an online company (ZoomInfo) where I pay a monthly amount for a period of 24 months. The information that they provide is contact information for business individuals where I can filter for a specific targeted audience. They provide company names, individual names,... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Feb 7, 2025

Your understanding of the CAN-SPAM Act is flawed. You actually can send out cold intro emails without prior consent, but the Act requires such emails to meet certain specified criterion. Among other things, the email must indicate that it is an advertisement and must have an... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Business Law, International Law and Internet Law for Texas on
Q: I want to buy Japanese Pokemon cards from a Wholesaler in Japan to resell them in USA on my website. Is this legal?

I see everyone re-selling pokemon cards online. I see it on tcgplayer.com, ebay, personal websites, tiktok, whatnot, etc. I'm specifically curious about if purchasing bulk product from a Japanese wholesaler (someone who very likely has a contract with a Japanese distributor), and then... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 27, 2025

Reselling Japanese Pokémon cards in the U.S. can be legal, but there are a few factors you need to consider. When purchasing from a Japanese wholesaler, ensure the products are authentic and sourced legitimately. Counterfeit goods or items obtained outside of proper licensing agreements could lead... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Entertainment / Sports, Intellectual Property and Internet Law for Texas on
Q: Is it legal to make amateur pornography and upload it in Texas?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 20, 2024

Creating and uploading amateur pornography in Texas is generally legal, provided that all participants are consenting adults. It's crucial to ensure that everyone involved is over the age of 18 and has given explicit consent to be filmed and have the footage distributed. Failure to verify ages... View More

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