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Michael Young

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Michael advises and represents clients on complex privacy, AI and data protection issues. From pre-venture startups to some of the most recognizable brands in the world, whether strategic or transactional, Michael specializes in helping companies find answers that are right for them given their unique challenges.

Under new regulations effective January 1, 2026, California regulators now expect businesses to conduct an annual “cybersecurity audit” that assesses “how the business’s cybersecurity program protects personal information from unauthorized access, destruction, use, modification, or disclosure; and protects against unauthorized activity resulting in the loss of availability of personal information.”

Now is the time to prepare for these requirements.

As explained below, these requirements are detailed and contemplate a rigorous, professional, independent, evidence-based audit. Audit results must be shared with the California regulator under penalty of perjury.Continue Reading Understanding California Cyber Audit Requirements

Under newly implemented regulations of the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), California now requires a formal risk assessment “before initiating any processing activity” of certain (sensitive) sorts. The regulation explicitly contemplates that businesses will complete risk assessments now, in 2026.

Eventually, such risk assessments – including those completed this year – must be signed by an executive and submitted to the California regulator under penalty of perjury.Continue Reading New CCPA Risk Assessment Requirements Now In Effect

Enforcement activity surged in 2025, with landmark judgments and settlements—some reaching eight and nine figures—targeting issues such as ad tracking, analytics, wiretapping, text messaging, data subject rights, and sensitive data collection. This aggressive trend shows no signs of slowing as we move into 2026.

Taft continues to help its clients find the correct answers in their context for addressing these risks. Building on our year-end post, here are some issues you may want to consider as you take on the new year.Continue Reading Your 2026 Privacy, Security, and Artificial Intelligence Checklist