Legal Analysis | Executive Orders, Politicized Debanking, and the Cost of Steam's Surrender (VL)
Lawyer Richard Hoeg explores the legal complexities surrounding an executive order on fair banking. He clarifies misunderstandings about US government branches and examines challenges in implementing objective banking standards. The episode explores the concept of politicized debanking, its implications, and the roles of federal regulators and the SBA. Hoeg discusses legislative and regulatory responses, the SBA's 7(a) loan program, and FTC Act Section 5's implications. He addresses legal challenges to FTC authority and executive order limitations, concluding with Steam's response and broader legal implications.
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43:49
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43:49
CREDIT DECLINED | Mastercard, Steam, and the Importance of What Corporations *Don't* Say (VL)
In this episode, lawyer Richard Hoeg explores the recent rule changes on platforms like Steam and itch.io, driven by the power of payment processors. He discusses the importance of understanding legality versus corporate policies, with a focus on Mastercard's influence and their public statements. Hoeg analyzes the media's misinterpretation of Mastercard's stance, Valve's response, and the legal implications of such policies. Concerns over Mastercard's broad discretion, enforcement, and antitrust laws are addressed, along with the effectiveness of petitions, direct action, and the long-term implications for alternative platforms.
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35:53
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35:53
WE DO NOT ACCEPT | Stopping Payment Processors and the End of Freedom (VL)
In this episode, lawyer Richard Hoeg explores the complexities of censorship on digital platforms, focusing on Steam's new rules influenced by payment processors. He discusses financial censorship, game removals, and pressure from credit card companies. The impact on digital marketplaces like itch.io and the influence of activist group Collective Shout on content policies are also examined. Hoeg addresses broader implications for free speech and democracy, antitrust limitations, and the potential role of payment processors as common carriers. The episode concludes with a discussion on consumer actions, platform responsibilities, and a call to action for viewers/listeners.
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1:21:05
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1:21:05
The Great EULA Switch Up | A Lawyer Reads (some of) Nintendo's Controversial New Terms
In this episode, lawyer Richard Hoeg explores Nintendo's recent user agreement changes, focusing on anti-piracy measures and new prohibitions. He provides a legal analysis of user rights, legal language, and implications for parental consent and breaches. The episode also touches on public perception, copyright issues, DMCA, and potential penalties. Richard examines patent law through the Impression vs. Lexmark case and compares ownership rights between the Nintendo Switch and other systems. He underscores the importance of understanding user agreements and the need for EULA awareness, concluding with final thoughts.
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41:24
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41:24
SAG AFTRA, Darth Vader, and the Future of Performance in a World of AI
In this episode, lawyer Richard Hoeg discusses the controversy surrounding Darth Vader's AI-generated voice in Fortnite and the resulting legal actions by SAG AFTRA. He discusses the implications of AI replacing human performers and SAG AFTRA's stance on the matter. The episode includes an analysis of the National Labor Relations Act, licensing issues, and the legal distinctions between filing charges and lawsuits. Hoeg also explores potential outcomes of the NLRB's findings on the complaint and the future of AI in voice acting contracts. The episode concludes with closing remarks and a call for listener feedback.
Virtual Legality is a continuing series discussing the law, video games, software, and everything digital, hosted by Richard Hoeg, of the Hoeg Law Business Law Firm (Hoeg Law).
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