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Joseph J. Lazzarotti is a principal in the Tampa, Florida, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. He founded and currently co-leads the firm's Privacy, Data and Cybersecurity practice group, edits the firm’s Privacy Blog, and is a Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP) with the International Association of Privacy Professionals. Trained as an employee benefits lawyer, focused on compliance, Joe also is a member of the firm’s Employee Benefits practice group.

In short, his practice focuses on the matrix of laws governing the privacy, security, and management of data, as well as the impact and regulation of social media. He also counsels companies on compliance, fiduciary, taxation, and administrative matters with respect to employee benefit plans.

According to Cybersecurity Dive, artificial intelligence is no longer experimental technology as more than 70% of S&P 500 companies now identify AI as a material risk in their public disclosures, according to a recent report from The Conference Board. In 2023, that percentage was 12%.

The article reports that major companies are no longer

Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed SB 446 into law, introducing significant changes to California’s data breach notification requirements. The bill establishes deadlines for notifying consumers and the state’s Attorney General when personal information of California residents has been involved in a data breach.

What’s Changed Under SB 446

Previously, California law required businesses to notify

Businesses across many industries naturally want to showcase their satisfied customers. Whether it’s a university featuring successful graduates, a retailer highlighting happy shoppers, or a healthcare facility showcasing thriving patients, these real-world testimonials can be powerful marketing tools. However, when it comes to healthcare providers subject to HIPAA, using patient images and information for promotional

Recently, California’s Governor signed Assembly Bill (AB) 45, which builds on existing California laws, such as the Confidentiality of Medical Information Act, seeking to protect individuals seeking certain healthcare services. AB 45 takes effect January 1, 2026.

Specifically, the law prohibits the collection, use, disclosure, sale, sharing, or retention of personal information of a

On September 17, 2025, the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) will hold its first public meeting to discuss proposed rules designed to enhance transparency and preparedness around health care information system breaches. AHCA is Florida’s agency responsible for the state’s Medicaid program, the licensure of the state’s health care facilities, and the sharing

The rapid adoption of AI notetaking and transcription tools has transformed how organizations (and individuals) capture, analyze, and share meeting and other content. But as these technologies expand, so too do the legal and compliance risks. A recent putative class action lawsuit filed in federal court in California against Otter.ai, a leading provider of AI

On August 18, 2025, the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office for Civil Rights (OCR) announced a settlement with BST & Co. CPAs, LLP (BST). The announcement continues OCR’s escalating enforcement of the HIPAA Security Rule, particularly around ransomware and risk analysis inadequacies.

For the OCR, this is the agency’s 15th ransomware enforcement action

On May 1, 2025, the California Privacy Protection Agency (CPPA) issued a Final Order in one of its first public enforcement actions under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), imposing a fine of nearly $350,000 on the business.

An important take away from the Final Order: simply posting a privacy policy is not enough. Businesses

On July 23, 2025, the White House released America’s AI Action Plan, a comprehensive national strategy designed to strengthen the United States’ position in artificial intelligence through investment in innovation, infrastructure, and international diplomacy and security. The plan, issued in response to Executive Order 14179, reflects a pro-innovation approach to AI policy—one that aims