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Texas Internet Law Questions & Answers
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 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 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 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

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Employment Law, Internet Law and Stockbroker Fraud for Texas on
Q: Got online job, it paid with crypto but started asking for $ to make more, now will not return funds, what should I do?

Around $20k lost, have records of all communication and transactions. Have contact info for numerous employees as well, job seemed like legitimate company but may have been spoofing the real one. Was reached out to by a recruiter from legitimate website like Indeed.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 29, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about your situation. The first step you should take is to gather all your evidence, including communication records, transaction details, and the contact information of the employees you interacted with. This documentation will be crucial for any legal action or... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Internet Law for Texas on
Q: Can we sue FB for a hacked account they refuse to give back to us?

On 4-20-2021 FB took my husband's account and gave it to the hacker! We have tried everything to gain access to this account..We even have the email address and IP address to the person who hacked my husband's account..We also have every email we have ever sent FB trying to regain access... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 8, 2024

I understand this is an extremely frustrating and upsetting situation. Having your Facebook account hacked and losing access to years of precious memories must be devastating. A few thoughts:

In general, it can be very difficult to sue a big tech company like Facebook. Their terms of...
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2 Answers | Asked in Internet Law, Consumer Law and Criminal Law for Texas on
Q: Can you help me? I've been scammed trying to buy a 2018 Nissan Altima for $2,500, since May 21st. I paid $2,815.

Since May 21st. I am out of $2,815, trying to purchase a 2018 Nissan Altima for $2,500, I was promised a $2,815 refund at delivery. Now they are requesting an additional $1,200, it is always some new money request.

My Goal is compensation and/or exposing this situation.

I paid.... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jun 6, 2024

This sounds a lot like a scam and you should notify law enforcement, Zelle, and CashApp.

In an ordinary purchase of the used car, you would pay the money to the Seller, the Seller would sign the title over to you, and you would take possession of the vehicle and title. If you were...
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2 Answers | Asked in Internet Law, Consumer Law and Criminal Law for Texas on
Q: Can you help me? I've been scammed trying to buy a 2018 Nissan Altima for $2,500, since May 21st. I paid $2,815.

Since May 21st. I am out of $2,815, trying to purchase a 2018 Nissan Altima for $2,500, I was promised a $2,815 refund at delivery. Now they are requesting an additional $1,200, it is always some new money request.

My Goal is compensation and/or exposing this situation.

I paid.... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 8, 2024

I'm so sorry to hear that you've been the victim of this scam. Unfortunately, these kinds of car buying scams are all too common. Based on the details you provided, this sounds like a classic advance-fee scam where the scammer keeps demanding more and more payments for bogus fees and... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Social Security, Civil Rights and Internet Law for Texas on
Q: hello, Can a person get sued for emailing another persons social security info with no permission?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 12, 2024

Emailing someone's Social Security number without their permission may be illegal under various state and federal laws. Here are a few potential legal issues:

1. Identity theft: If the person emailing the SSN does so with the intent to commit identity theft or fraud, they could face...
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3 Answers | Asked in Social Security, Civil Rights and Internet Law for Texas on
Q: hello, Can a person get sued for emailing another persons social security info with no permission?
John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Apr 30, 2024

It depends on that facts and circumstances whether the person had a duty to treat the other person's social security information as private. An employer or healthcare provider has a duty to keep such information private and cannot email that information to another other than for a permitted... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law, Internet Law and Libel & Slander for Texas on
Q: can a local police department say false things about you on social media? Making it look like you committed a crime?

I was accused of something on social media by local department and it was not like they said it happened. no. charges filed but the it made me look like i was still guilty . I wàs defended in comments and even after things were over they chose to lie and make me look like a thief still and... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 8, 2024

If a local police department has posted false or misleading information about you on social media, suggesting you committed a crime when no charges have been filed, it's essential to address this matter seriously. The police are expected to adhere to standards of accuracy and fairness,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Internet Law, Education Law and Civil Rights for Texas on
Q: is my teacher allowed to get rid of something I wrote in my own time without my permission?

I'm in 8th grade and in my English class, I work on a story that I've been writing. admittedly it is during the time I'm supposed to be doing other assignments; however, I do find that the way she (my teacher) handled this was a little over the top.

She threatened that if I... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 6, 2024

Under California law, your teacher's actions could potentially infringe upon your rights, especially if the work was created on your own time and does not violate school policy. Intellectual property laws protect the creations of your mind, and even as a student, you have rights to your... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Entertainment / Sports, Gaming, Intellectual Property, Internet Law and Copyright for Texas on
Q: Can I create content using a known superhero's cowl and just the cowl and escape copyright infringement and the such?

Long story short I want to create youtube videos of RANDOM and just RANDOM content while using ex: Flash cowl. Just the top part of the mask not even the one that covers the whole face. I will use a different name, and although use some mannerisms, it will be obvious it is pure satire/parody. I got... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 11, 2024

Using elements of a copyrighted superhero character, such as the Flash's cowl, in your content can be legally risky, even if you're only using part of the costume and intend it as satire or parody. Copyright law protects original works of authorship, including characters and their... View More

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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

James L. Arrasmith
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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 Constitutional Law, Civil Rights and Internet Law for Texas on
Q: How would I go about any concerns cyber security on my Google account concerning everything somehow being accessible

Without my acknowledgement or consent?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 28, 2023

If you're concerned about the security of your Google account and unauthorized access to your information, it's crucial to take immediate steps to protect your data. Start by changing your account password to something strong and unique. Also, enable two-factor authentication, which adds... View More

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?

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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

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

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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 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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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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