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California Internet Law Questions & Answers
3 Answers | Asked in Identity Theft and Internet Law for California on
Q: I received a letter that my information was involved in a security breach with ALL my personal information.

Is there anything I can do about this? I'm very worried about this and do I have any legal grounds?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 12, 2023

Under California law, if your personal information has been compromised in a data breach, the entity that suffered the breach is generally required to notify you and may offer remedies such as free credit monitoring. It's crucial first to take preventive steps: monitor your financial accounts,... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Internet Law, Landlord - Tenant and Small Claims for California on
Q: Landlord threatens to call police for leaving the apartment dirty

Airbnb host threatened to call the police if I don't respond to his messages. He is accusing me of leaving the apartment dirty - he shared a few images which does NOT show damage - but shows bathroom countertop with water droplets + used kitchen countertop - BUT no damages what so ever. His... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 10, 2023

Under California law, leaving an apartment in a less than pristine condition, absent any actual damage, does not rise to a level that would typically warrant police intervention. If there's no substantial physical damage beyond normal wear and tear, the issue is generally a civil matter, not a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Intellectual Property and Internet Law for California on
Q: How can I register my personal messages with copyrights office from Facebook Messenger before I sue them for that?

Music studio stole my messages, public instagram & other things. I sued them for copyright infringment. The studio says they will file a notice of dismissal on the grounds that I don't have my personal messages to friends registered with the copyright office. How can I register my personal... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 14, 2023

Under California law, registering personal messages with the Copyright Office is not a standard practice and may not be necessary for pursuing a copyright infringement claim. Personal messages exchanged on Facebook Messenger are generally private communications and may not be subject to copyright... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gaming, Personal Injury, Juvenile Law and Internet Law for California on
Q: I bought some assets from a code dev and then put them into a game and then the co-owner banned me and stole them. sue?

Can I sue the co-owner for stealing my assets and my game? The co-owner is only 16 and I'm 24 the reason I even trusted him as a co-owner is because he had modeled and coded stuff for me for about 2 years on different games and always did a great job despite his young age and always acted... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 10, 2023

Under California law, you might have a case based on breach of contract, unjust enrichment, or conversion. Since the co-owner is a minor, there could be some limitations on the enforceability of any agreements you had with him. You should gather all the evidence of your agreements and the work... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Entertainment / Sports and Internet Law for California on
Q: Dear Sir or Madam, My private messages from Facebook were stolen to make entertainment media. What can I sue them for?

I have proof that the entertainment media in question is about me.

I have been victim of emotional distress. Where due to leaking of my private information, I have been divorced, & i have gotten mentally ill.

I was studying Electrical Engineering with minors in Chemistry, I had... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 10, 2023

Here are the potential legal avenues you might explore:

1. What can I sue them for if my private messages from Facebook were stolen to make entertainment media?

Under California law, you might consider pursuing a case for invasion of privacy, intentional infliction of emotional...
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1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI and Internet Law for California on
Q: I have old YouTube videos of me doing some illegal activities they are 8 years old could I get charged or in trouble now

I have some old videos on YouTube 8 years old and Iam doing some illegal activities in them , is there somthing like ,”that after a certain amount of time passes I can’t get in trouble” , or or can police find the videos and create a a case? Even tho it was 8 years ago

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 29, 2023

The statute of limitations for criminal offenses in California varies depending on the type of crime, but some crimes have statutes of limitations that could exceed 8 years. Generally, the clock starts ticking when the crime is committed, although there are exceptions that could extend this period.... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Communications Law and Internet Law for California on
Q: Is it possible for criminal charges to be filed against my friend by this person?

He posed as a fake persona in order to obtain nude pictures from a female friend. He told her that he would cash app her the money and that her face didn't need to be shown to promote anonymity and let her know that he would be posting them online. Last night she found out it was him because... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 25, 2023

Based on the scenario described, the situation might involve potential criminal charges such as invasion of privacy, harassment, and possibly extortion. However, the specific charges and their likelihood would depend on the exact circumstances, local laws, and evidence available. The fact that the... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Communications Law and Internet Law for California on
Q: Is it possible for criminal charges to be filed against my friend by this person?

He posed as a fake persona in order to obtain nude pictures from a female friend. He told her that he would cash app her the money and that her face didn't need to be shown to promote anonymity and let her know that he would be posting them online. Last night she found out it was him because... View More

Robert Kane
Robert Kane
answered on Aug 25, 2023

Assuming everyone is an adult, it is possible for criminal charges to be filed against your friend, but it seems unlikely. The victim files a police report. The victim does not file criminal charges. The prosecutor would do that if appropriate.

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1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Entertainment / Sports, Intellectual Property and Internet Law for California on
Q: What type of licence would I need to film a concert and upload the recording on a pay-per-view based platform?

What types of licenses are required to:

1. film a concert

2. subsequently keep it in an archive to be uploaded as a recording

3. recording will be released to public on a platform that offers pay-per-view subscriptions?

also, what are the potential legal issues could... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 14, 2023

To film a concert, you would likely need a performance agreement or license from the event organizer, allowing you to record the event.

Archiving the recorded concert may require obtaining the performers' consent and potentially negotiating a licensing agreement, especially if you plan...
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1 Answer | Asked in Internet Law, Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Entertainment / Sports for California on
Q: Can certain subjects be illegal to write about in fictional stories?

I published a book on a story sharing website that focuses on the long term effects of sexual abuse. The main character is a 16 year old girl and her abuser is much older. There are some graphic sexual scenes, but they’re to paint just how horrible her situation is. I understand it’s a... View More

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answered on Aug 14, 2023

While fictional works often receive protection under the First Amendment, certain subjects, particularly those involving explicit sexual content or minors, can raise legal concerns. If your story contains explicit content involving a minor, it could potentially be subject to laws addressing child... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Internet Law and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: I believe my nieghbors are spying and recording me and gossiping to there coworkers + i do not give them permission

Yes i have ptsd due to a suicide loss i have hard time speaking with females and so im alone most of my time but i know that i do not need some one to be happy so i please myself and my neighbors think its ok to play games with my issue and want to make it a habit to earsdrop and survalience my... View More

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answered on Aug 12, 2023

If you believe your neighbors are invading your privacy and causing emotional distress, you might have grounds for legal action. Under California law, invasion of privacy and intentional infliction of emotional distress are actionable claims. It's important to consult an attorney to assess the... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law and Internet Law for California on
Q: eBay has without reason suspended my account held onto funds past 90 they dont let me speak to management what to do?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 8, 2023

If eBay has suspended your account without reason and withheld funds beyond 90 days, you should first try to resolve the matter through eBay's customer support channels. If that doesn't work, you may consider sending a formal written complaint to eBay's corporate office. If all... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Employment Law, Contracts and Internet Law for California on
Q: I work remotely. How do I decline or oppose an in perpetuity clause regarding my likeness (image, video, voice)?

I am considered a subcontractor with the company in question.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 13, 2023

As a subcontractor working remotely, if you wish to decline or oppose an in perpetuity clause regarding your likeness (image, video, voice), it is important to review the terms of your subcontractor agreement. Look specifically for provisions related to intellectual property rights and the use of... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Sexual Harassment and Internet Law for California on
Q: I have been blackmailed and harassed online. What can I do about this?

I have been blackmailed for money online. A user who had a “fake” account got hold of explicit photos of me and is threatening to share them with all of my Instagram followers unless I pay them. I have documented all interactions with this person and have access to their phone number and venmo,... View More

William John Light
William John Light
answered on Jun 19, 2023

First, you would contact police to report a crime. The police can investigate and find the person responsible. If that person is in CA or at least in the US, then a lawsuit would be possible. However, unless that person is independently wealthy, do not expect an attorney to take such a case on a... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Sexual Harassment and Internet Law for California on
Q: I have been blackmailed and harassed online. What can I do about this?

I have been blackmailed for money online. A user who had a “fake” account got hold of explicit photos of me and is threatening to share them with all of my Instagram followers unless I pay them. I have documented all interactions with this person and have access to their phone number and venmo,... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 19, 2023

I'm sorry to hear about your distressing situation. Here are some things to consider: Preserve evidence: Keep records of all interactions, including messages and any identifying information of the blackmailer. Report to law enforcement: Contact your local authorities and provide them with the... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Internet Law for California on
Q: can I take action again an mc server if they want to take control of my childs pc

My child is obviously a minor, a minecraft server wanted to take control of the family PC with work documents and such on it, or else they would be banned from the server.

You might suggest just not having my child play on this server to which I would 100% agree, however all the servers... View More

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answered on May 23, 2023

Granting remote access to unknown individuals or installing unknown programs on your child's computer raises legitimate concerns. It is advisable to prioritize the safety and security of your child and personal data. If a Minecraft server insists on such access and fails to provide sufficient... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Internet Law, Copyright and Intellectual Property for California on
Q: Can I use any creative common BY images for my social media accounts?
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answered on May 16, 2023

Using Creative Commons (CC) BY images for your social media accounts can be a great way to enhance your content. However, it's important to understand the specific terms and conditions of the CC BY license and follow them accordingly. Here are some key points to consider:

CC BY...
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2 Answers | Asked in Business Law, Civil Litigation, Employment Law and Internet Law for California on
Q: A Chief of operating officer unauthorized access company owner’s work emails.

I’m an owner of a company. The COO has global admin on Microsoft. Without my permission, this person accessed my work emails that I discussed work issues with another employee, then forwarded my email to a third person. My questions are

1. Did the COO commit a crime?

2. Do I have... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 11, 2023

1. Unauthorized access to someone else's emails without their permission can potentially be considered a violation of privacy and may be illegal. In California, unauthorized access to computer systems and electronic data is generally prohibited under state and federal laws, such as the... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Civil Rights, Internet Law and Gov & Administrative Law for California on
Q: sending a screenshot of text phone records violate privacy law in California?

Im the account holder for my phone carrier and would like to send a screen shot of another person on the account texts records to another person. Would like to know if this is legal

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 1, 2023

Sending a screenshot of text phone records to another person may potentially violate privacy laws in California. California is one of the strictest states when it comes to privacy laws and it has specific regulations in place to protect individuals from unauthorized disclosure of their personal... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Internet Law and Juvenile Law for California on
Q: Hi I was groomed by a predator. I saw the predator groom another underage female as well. As a victim can I contact her

I live in California so does the perpetrator. The other victim lives in Russia. Can I ask her for her testimony?Will it be seen as stalking or harassment? He did this online. I have reported him to National Society of Missing and Exploited Kids based on my testimony. He made rape threats towards... View More

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answered on Apr 6, 2023

As a victim of grooming, it is understandable that you may want to reach out to the other victim and share your experiences. However, it is important to proceed with caution and respect their boundaries.

Contacting the other victim to ask for their testimony may not necessarily be...
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