Online Digital Rights Legal Consultation Tool
Get general information about common digital rights issues in the U.S.
What is your area of concern?
Please select a topic below to get started.
Guidance Will Appear Here
Please select a scenario from the first tab to view information.
Important Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. This tool is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified legal professional.
Organizations & Resources
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Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF)
A leading nonprofit organization defending civil liberties in the digital world. Offers extensive articles, guides, and legal resources on privacy, free speech, and innovation.
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American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
The ACLU works to defend and preserve individual rights and liberties, including those related to online privacy, surveillance, and free speech.
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Cyber Civil Rights Initiative (CCRI)
Provides resources and support for victims of nonconsensual pornography and other forms of online abuse. Offers a 24/7 crisis helpline.
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State Attorney General's Office
Your state's Attorney General's office often has a consumer protection division that handles complaints about data breaches and deceptive online business practices.
U.S. law requires companies to notify you if your sensitive personal information (like Social Security numbers or financial account numbers) is exposed in a data breach. Your rights and the company's obligations vary by state.
`, steps: `Recommended First Steps
- Identify what was exposed: The breach notice should tell you what data was compromised.
- Change passwords: Immediately change the password for the affected account and any other accounts that use the same password.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Add an extra layer of security to your important accounts.
- Consider a credit freeze: A credit freeze restricts access to your credit report, making it harder for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name. You must contact each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion).
What to Document
Save the data breach notice you received. Monitor your credit reports and financial statements for any suspicious activity. Document any fraudulent charges or accounts immediately.
` }, { id: 'copyright', title: 'Copyright Claim', description: 'Your original content (photo, video, text) was used online without your permission.', icon: ``, explanation: `Understanding Copyright
In the U.S., copyright protection is automatic for original works of authorship fixed in a tangible medium. This means if you created it, you generally own the rights. Unauthorized use can be infringement. The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) provides a legal framework for content owners to have infringing material removed from websites.
`, steps: `Recommended First Steps
- Contact the user directly: A polite message asking them to remove the content or provide credit may resolve the issue.
- File a DMCA Takedown Notice: Most online platforms (like YouTube, Instagram, etc.) have a formal process for submitting a DMCA notice to have the infringing content removed.
- Consult an attorney: For commercial or widespread infringement, consulting with an intellectual property attorney is advisable.
What to Document
Gather proof of your ownership (e.g., original files with metadata). Take screenshots of the infringing use, including the URL, date, and time. Keep copies of all correspondence and DMCA notices you send.
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