Social media is a powerful force shaping the modern world, from established giants like Meta’s Facebook and Instagram to newer platforms such as the meteoric rise of ByteDance’s TikTok, and corresponding scrutiny of their practices. The impact of these technologies is immense, offering businesses unprecedented opportunities for growth as well as significant legal risks. As a Social Media Lawyer, RICHT helps clients maximize the benefits of social media while expertly navigating its legal complexities.
Why Social Media Law Matters
The legal landscape for social media is evolving rapidly, with increased regulatory scrutiny and enforcement actions targeting both platforms and users. Key legal considerations include:
- Marketing and Influencer Agreements: Structuring compliant contracts for influencer marketing campaigns.
- Sweepstakes and Contests: Ensuring compliance with state and federal laws governing online sweepstakes and other promotions.
- Privacy and Data Protection: Navigating regulations such as the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and emerging state laws in California, Colorado, Virginia, and elsewhere.
- Online Agreements: Drafting and enforcing robust terms of service, privacy policies, and cookie banners for digital platforms.
- Intellectual Property: Protecting and enforcing copyrights and trademarks, including recent high-profile cases like Sony’s lawsuit against Marriott for unauthorized use of music in social media ads.
- Defamation and Online Disputes: Managing reputational risks such as defamation on social media and resolving disputes, including online arbitration and platform-based conflict resolution.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Emerging Technologies: Addressing legal challenges at the intersection of AI and social media, from content moderation to regulatory compliance.
Recent Developments in Social Media Regulation
Social media law is increasingly influenced by public policy and regulatory action:
- Youth Protection: Recent bans on underage social media use, such as those enacted in Australia, and heightened scrutiny of children’s data privacy.
- Mental Health and Safety: Advocacy from the U.S. Surgeon General for warning labels on social media platforms, citing mental health risks for adolescents.
- Political and Free Speech Issues: Increased political scrutiny, exemplified by the FTC’s 2025 inquiry into tech censorship, which seeks public comment on restrictions to free expression online.
How a Social Media Lawyer Can Help
As digital native social media lawyers, RICHT provides comprehensive legal services to help your business:
- Maximize Opportunities: Leverage social media for growth while staying compliant with evolving laws.
- Minimize Risk: Proactively address legal challenges, from privacy compliance to intellectual property disputes.
- Navigate Disputes: Resolve conflicts efficiently, whether through negotiation, arbitration, or litigation.
Contact a Social Media Lawyer
If you need legal guidance for social media, influencer marketing, privacy compliance, or digital disputes, contact RICHT today for a consultation with a dedicated social media lawyer in New York City.
Social Media Law Services We Offer
Dispute Resolution Including Arbitration
Social Media Policies & Procedures
Social Media Clients & Sectors We Serve
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a social media lawyer do?
A social media lawyer advises businesses and individuals on legal issues related to social media, including contracts, privacy, intellectual property, and regulatory compliance.
How can I protect my business from social media legal risks?
Work with an experienced social media lawyer to draft compliant agreements, implement privacy policies, and stay ahead of regulatory changes.
Ron DeSantis Signs Florida Social Media Ban For Children Into Law
The Florida governor, Ron DeSantis, has signed a law that has given his state one of the US’s most restrictive social media bans for minors, though it must still withstand expected legal challenges. Once it takes effect, the bill signed on Monday bans social media accounts for children under 14 and require parental permission for 14- and 15-year-olds.
TikTok Quietly Changes User Terms Amid Growing Legal Scrutiny
Parents, schools and even attorneys general have increasingly been raising concerns about how TikTok may be hooking children to the app and serving them inappropriate content. But some lawyers say bringing legal action against the company could be more difficult after TikTok quietly changed its U.S. terms of service this summer.
Rule for Social Media Regulation Act Published
The Utah Department of Commerce’s Division of Consumer Protection opened a public comment period for the draft rules under the Utah Social Media Regulation Act governing minors’ access to open accounts on social media platforms.
Texas Bans Kids From Social Media Without Parental Consent
Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed a bill Tuesday banning kids under 18 from joining a wide variety of social media sites without parental consent.
Utah Law Could Curb Use of TikTok and Instagram by Children and Teens
It is the first state law in the nation that will prohibit social media services from allowing users under 18 to have accounts without the explicit consent of a parent or guardian.
Supreme Court Puts Off Considering State Laws Curbing Internet Platforms
The laws, enacted by Florida and Texas in response to conservative complaints about censorship, have been challenged under the First Amendment.
