Inc. Magazine Quotes Ted Claypoole

The legal debate over privacy in the era of connectivity has prompted another standoff between a tech giant and law enforcement. Womble Carlyle’s Ted Claypoole told Inc. magazine the case highlights the need for updated privacy laws.

Inc. spoke to Claypoole in reference to a request from prosecutors in Benton County, Ark. for Amazon to turn over data recorded on one of its Echo devices as part of a murder investigation. Authorities believe the device, which is always listening for commands from its user, could have recorded audio relevant to their case. Amazon has so far refused to turn the data over, citing its agreement with users to protect their privacy.

In the article, Claypoole explains how the Internet of Things is blurring traditional legal lines of privacy. This is a subject Claypoole has written two books about and regularly advises corporate clients on as a partner in the firm’s Intellectual Property Practice Group. He also leads the firm’s Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Team.