Law.com Subscribers SAVE 30%

Call 855-808-4530 or email [email protected] to receive your discount on a new subscription.

Cybersecurity Law & StrategyFeaturesCybersecurityPrivacyTechnology Media and Telecom

Privacy Issues of Contact Tracing

By Shari Claire Lewis
November 01, 2020

As more and more businesses throughout the state resume operations after the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown, they face a continuing concern about the virus from customers, employees and vendors who come to their facilities. Many organizations have instituted temperature checks and inquire about symptoms, out-of-state travel, and other issues in an attempt to weed out individuals who might be ill and contagious. State and federal authorities have put forth a variety of guidelines explaining how companies can properly and fairly institute these procedures.

Other steps, most notably masks and social distancing, also can help tamp down transmission of the virus. But one of the most powerful tools available to fight COVID-19 is known as "contact tracing," which has long been used to limit the spread of everything from tuberculosis and measles to HIV and Ebola.

Companies considering whether to suggest, or even to require, contact tracing for employees or others must consider a host of legal issues, including privacy. This article describes contact tracing, focusing on how technology has made it a more powerful weapon against viruses and diseases than ever before. Then, after discussing how privacy concerns are implicated, it will review a bill passed by the New York State legislature with respect to the confidentiality of contact tracing information of individuals who have contracted the virus or who have come in contact with another person with a confirmed or probable diagnosis.

This premium content is locked for Entertainment Law & Finance subscribers only

  • Stay current on the latest information, rulings, regulations, and trends
  • Includes practical, must-have information on copyrights, royalties, AI, and more
  • Tap into expert guidance from top entertainment lawyers and experts

For enterprise-wide or corporate acess, please contact Customer Service at [email protected] or 877-256-2473

Read These Next
How Secure Is the AI System Your Law Firm Is Using? Image

In a profession where confidentiality is paramount, failing to address AI security concerns could have disastrous consequences. It is vital that law firms and those in related industries ask the right questions about AI security to protect their clients and their reputation.

COVID-19 and Lease Negotiations: Early Termination Provisions Image

During the COVID-19 pandemic, some tenants were able to negotiate termination agreements with their landlords. But even though a landlord may agree to terminate a lease to regain control of a defaulting tenant's space without costly and lengthy litigation, typically a defaulting tenant that otherwise has no contractual right to terminate its lease will be in a much weaker bargaining position with respect to the conditions for termination.

Pleading Importation: ITC Decisions Highlight Need for Adequate Evidentiary Support Image

The International Trade Commission is empowered to block the importation into the United States of products that infringe U.S. intellectual property rights, In the past, the ITC generally instituted investigations without questioning the importation allegations in the complaint, however in several recent cases, the ITC declined to institute an investigation as to certain proposed respondents due to inadequate pleading of importation.

The Power of Your Inner Circle: Turning Friends and Social Contacts Into Business Allies Image

Practical strategies to explore doing business with friends and social contacts in a way that respects relationships and maximizes opportunities.

Authentic Communications Today Increase Success for Value-Driven Clients Image

As the relationship between in-house and outside counsel continues to evolve, lawyers must continue to foster a client-first mindset, offer business-focused solutions, and embrace technology that helps deliver work faster and more efficiently.