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The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has finalized amendments to the Children's Online Privacy Protection Rule (COPPA), which aim to enhance the protection of children's personal information online. The amendments update definitions and improve transparency by requiring operators of websites and online services to provide more detailed notices about their data collection practices, including information on data retention and third-party sharing. The FTC has also approved new methods for obtaining parental consent and instituted stricter data security and retention policies, while maintaining flexibility to accommodate different business sizes. Furthermore, these changes include additional reporting requirements for FTC-approved Safe Harbor programs, which are intended to increase oversight and accountability.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued a final rule that requires its regulations to be reviewed periodically, with most regulations set to expire automatically every ten years unless reviewed. This is intended to ensure that regulations stay up-to-date and relevant. The final rule also includes processes for public comments and specifies the criteria for reviews, which include assessing whether the regulations significantly impact small entities, and if they are still necessary or need amendments. Certain regulations, such as those mandated by federal law and the annual Medicare payment update rules, are exempt from these reviews.

The U.S. Department of Labor has issued a new final rule to clarify the differences between employees and independent contractors under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This rule is intended to make these distinctions clearer by providing guidance based on economic realities, which consider factors like a worker’s control over their work and the potential for profit or loss. Two main factors, related to control and profit potential, are seen as more significant in determining a worker's status. The rule aims to increase predictability for both workers and businesses across all industries.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Treasury Department have released final rules on determining taxable income and foreign currency gains or losses for businesses operating with a currency other than the U.S. dollar. These regulations clarify how businesses can elect to manage currency gains or losses annually and introduce a transition rule to make compliance easier. The rules apply broadly, including to specified entities like insurance companies, but do not currently extend to partnerships without additional guidance. These updates are aimed at providing clear and consistent guidelines for businesses dealing with multiple currencies.

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the Federal Reserve Board, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation have finalized a rule called the Net Stable Funding Ratio (NSFR). This rule is designed to ensure large banking organizations maintain stable funding over a one-year period to support their various financial activities. By requiring stable funding, the rule aims to reduce liquidity risks, ensuring banks can continue to operate smoothly even in challenging economic conditions. This rule applies to large U.S. banks and some foreign banks with significant assets, enhancing the overall stability of the financial system.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is updating the definition of the term "healthy" as it applies to food labeling to align with current nutrition science and dietary guidelines. This new rule outlines what food manufacturers must meet to label their products as "healthy," focusing on food groups and limiting certain nutrients like added sugars, saturated fats, and sodium. The rule aims to help consumers make better choices for maintaining a nutritious diet and to reduce diet-related chronic diseases. It is designed to ensure that foods labeled as "healthy" provide accurate and helpful information, promoting overall health and nutrition equity.

The Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection issued a final rule revising Regulation F, which enforces the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). This rule requires debt collectors to provide clear information to consumers at the start of collection efforts and prohibits legal action on outdated debts. It also establishes guidelines for reporting debts to consumer agencies only after contacting the consumer. The rule aims to protect consumer rights and prevent abusive debt collection practices.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), part of the Department of Transportation, has issued a final rule requiring remote identification for unmanned aircraft, including drones, in U.S. airspace. This rule addresses safety and security concerns by ensuring that unmanned aircraft provide identification and location information, making it easier to track and manage their operations. The rule outlines three ways for compliance: using a standard remote identification system, utilizing a broadcast module, or operating in specific areas recognized by the FAA. Compliance with this rule becomes mandatory by September 16, 2023, for all unmanned aircraft operations.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has introduced a new rule to help businesses, especially small and medium-sized ones, raise capital more easily while still protecting investors. This rule simplifies and organizes the framework for certain types of exempt offerings, allowing these businesses to access investment opportunities while closing gaps and reducing complexities in the existing regulations. These changes also include specific new guidelines for how businesses can communicate their offerings and increased limits on how much they can offer and invest. The final rule is effective from March 15, 2021, with some specific provisions effective at varying dates.