The Privacy Filter: A Briefing on Privacy Law and Policy

Brian McGinnis, Owen Agho, and Lyric Menges

The Privacy Filter: Barnes & Thornburg's Briefing on Privacy Law & Policy breaks down the legal and regulatory developments shaping data privacy, data security, and artificial intelligence. In each episode, the firm’s attorneys and guests translate emerging laws, enforcement actions, and technology trends into practical insights for business leaders and in-house counsel.

Episodes

  1. 3d ago

    The AI Era Is Redefining the Role of the General Counsel

    In this episode, Erica Sylvester, General Counsel at Authenticx, shares insights on how AI and privacy law are transforming the legal landscape, especially in healthcare. She discusses the evolving role of GCs, the importance of understanding product details, and strategies for legal professionals to stay ahead in the AI era. Key Topics: -The transformation of the GC role due to AI and privacy law -Strategies for understanding and managing AI risks -The importance of cross-functional collaboration in AI governance -Legal considerations in healthcare AI and PHI -Best practices for legal professionals entering AI roles

  2. Jul 9

    CIPA Lawsuits, Tracking Technology Lawsuits, and Why Privacy Takes Center Stage

    What happens when decades-old wiretapping laws collide with modern website technology? In this episode, Brian McGinnis and Lyric Menges unpack the growing wave of website tracking litigation under the California Invasion of Privacy Act (CIPA) and the federal Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA). They explore why businesses across industries are receiving demand letters and lawsuits over common website tools such as cookies, pixels, analytics platforms, chat features and session replay technologies. The discussion breaks down the technologies at the center of these claims, the legal theories plaintiffs are advancing, and the practical steps organizations can take to assess and reduce risk. Brian and Lyric also discuss how technical website audits, privacy disclosures, consent mechanisms and cross-functional governance are becoming increasingly important as litigation continues to evolve.

  3. May 18

    The Privacy Filter: Your Users Don’t Think About Privacy the Way You Do

    In this episode, Owen Agho explores generational perspectives on privacy, focusing on location sharing, social media, and AI. Featuring students from Georgetown University, it highlights how different age groups perceive privacy risks and social norms in the digital age.

  4. Apr 22

    The Privacy Filter: SB 140 Explained: New Rules for Text Message Marketing

    In this episode, Brian McGinnis is joined by Megan New to break down Texas SB 140 and what it means for companies that rely on SMS to engage customers. They walk through how the law builds on the federal TCPA, why it initially created significant disruption, and how recent developments have clarified (but not eliminated) compliance risk. The conversation focuses on what’s changed, where uncertainty remains, and how organizations can adapt their marketing programs to reduce exposure.

  5. Apr 3

    The Privacy Filter: AI Regulation in California and Colorado

    This episode explores the emerging legal landscape of AI regulation in the US, focusing on Colorado and California laws. Brian McGinnis and Lyric Menges discuss high-risk AI systems, compliance requirements, and the future of AI governance to help organizations navigate these complex regulations.

  6. Apr 3

    The Privacy Filter: The 2026 Privacy Landscape

    Brian McGinnis and Lyric Menges delve into the evolving landscape of data privacy laws, highlighting the importance of compliance for in-house counsel. The discussion covers the emergence of new state privacy laws, the significance of understanding sensitive data categories, and the need for organizations to adapt their data practices to meet changing regulations. Key strategies for gaining executive buy-in and ensuring effective data protection are also explored, along with the implications of new teen-focused data protection laws.

  • 6 Episodes

About

The Privacy Filter: Barnes & Thornburg's Briefing on Privacy Law & Policy breaks down the legal and regulatory developments shaping data privacy, data security, and artificial intelligence. In each episode, the firm’s attorneys and guests translate emerging laws, enforcement actions, and technology trends into practical insights for business leaders and in-house counsel.

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