US Federal

FTC Policy Statement on COPPA and Age Verification Technologies

The FTC issued a policy statement clarifying that it will not bring enforcement actions under COPPA against operators using age verification technologies for the sole purpose of determining user age, provided certain conditions are met. This aims to incentivize the use of these technologies to protect children online.

FTC Workshop on Data Economy Injuries and Benefits

The Federal Trade Commission is hosting a workshop on February 26, 2026, to discuss measuring consumer injuries and benefits in the data-driven economy. The event will feature FTC officials and panel discussions on privacy preferences and data breach impacts.

First Lady's State of the Union Guests Highlight Education and Tech Initiatives

The White House announced the First Lady's guests for the 2026 State of the Union, highlighting initiatives in education, technology, and foster care. The guests represent the BE BEST Fostering the Future initiative, which has secured funding and launched programs related to AI and education.

OSHA Cites Grain Silo Operator for Safety Violations After Worker Injury

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Alliance Grain Co. for safety violations following a worker injury. The agency proposed $276,407 in penalties for alleged failures in machine guarding, lockout/tagout procedures, and grain bin entry safety.

OSHA Cites 3 Companies After 6 Worker Deaths from Gas Exposure

The U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA has cited Prospect Ranch LLC, Fiske Inc., and HD Builders for serious violations following the deaths of six workers due to hazardous gas exposure at a Colorado dairy farm. The companies face proposed penalties totaling over $246,000.

SEC Obtains Final Consent Judgment Against Ian G. Bell

The SEC announced it obtained a final consent judgment against Ian G. Bell, a Denver day-trader charged with defrauding investors. Bell raised over $1.3 million from 29 investors by lying about trading performance and misappropriating funds. He is permanently enjoined from securities violations and ordered to pay disgorgement.

SEC Settles Joel Castellanos Ponzi Scheme Action

The SEC has settled an action against Joel Castellanos for his role in an alleged $196 million Ponzi scheme. Castellanos is charged with selling unregistered securities and operating without proper registration, resulting in a $150,000 civil penalty and disgorgement.

SEC Obtains Final Judgments in Insider Trading Case

The SEC announced the entry of final consent judgments against Joseph C. Lewis, Carolyn W. Carter, Patrick J. O’Connor, and Bryan L. Waugh in an insider trading case. The judgments include penalties, disgorgement, and prejudgment interest totaling over $2.3 million.

DOJ Audit of FARA System Controls FY2025

The Department of Justice's Office of the Inspector General has released an audit report on the National Security Division's security controls and its Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) system for Fiscal Year 2025. The report, dated February 24, 2026, identifies one recommendation.

DOJ OIG Audit of National Security Division Information Security Program

The DOJ Office of the Inspector General has released an audit report (26-029) concerning the National Security Division's information security management program for Fiscal Year 2025. The audit was conducted pursuant to the Federal Information Security Modernization Act of 2014. The report includes 5 recommendations.