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    Feb. 25, 2026

Trade Secret Protection Lessons From the Conviction of Former Google Employee

The first-ever guilty verdict for stealing AI-related trade secrets underscores new challenges for companies seeking to protect their confidential information. The conviction of a former Google engineer illustrates how shifting insider theft tactics are challenging companies’ current monitoring tools and risk-management programs. This article distills the case’s key takeaways and provides recommendations for revamping corporate insider risk programs to account for AI’s rising economic and strategic value, drawing on insights from experts at Debevoise, Fisher Phillips and Littler Mendelson. See our two-part series on emerging issues in workplace privacy: “Data Collected and Employees’ Perspectives” (Oct. 23, 2024), and “Regulations and Compliance Strategies” (Oct. 30, 2024).

ISACA Report Spotlights 2026 Privacy Program Trends and Challenges

Amid increasing data breaches and misuse, privacy teams must craft and implement rigorous policies that protect PI and maintain compliance in a rapidly evolving regulatory environment. However, challenges related to budget cuts and staffing have worsened since 2024, ISACA’s State of Privacy 2026 report (Report) reveals. With insights from more than 1,800 global privacy professionals, the Report explores these staffing difficulties and other privacy program benchmarks in a shifting technological and regulatory landscape. This article distills the Report’s findings on AI use, privacy staffing trends, budgets, awareness training, breaches and privacy by design. See “Statistics on Privacy Staffing, Budgets and Compliance Culture” (Apr. 2, 2025).

In‑House Insights on Optimizing Compliance Culture

Building a strong culture of compliance can be labor intensive, but also a lifesaver when the outside regulatory environment becomes precarious and unpredictable. In a panel discussion at the New York City Bar’s Compliance Conference 2025, in-house experts offered insights on the elements of a strong compliance culture, and how companies can work to optimize and measure its strength. This article synthesizes key takeaways from the presentation. See “Survey Finds Increased Value in Having a Culture of Compliance” (Feb. 26, 2025).

Frankfurt Kurnit Welcomes Privacy and Data Security Litigation Partner in Los Angeles

Matthew Pearson has joined Frankfurt Kurnit as a partner in the litigation group in Los Angeles. He arrives from Womble Bond Dickinson. For insights from Frankfurt Kurnit, see “Challenges in Opt-Out Design and Children’s Privacy Highlighted by Sling TV’s Settlement With California AG” (Nov. 19, 2025); and “CPPA’s Tractor Supply Decision Offers Lessons As Enforcement Focus Moves From Education to Deterrence” (Oct. 22, 2025).

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Women to Watch: Contributions, Achievements and Observations of Outstanding Female Professionals

To mark International Women’s Day, women editors and reporters at ION Analytics interviewed outstanding women in the industries and jurisdictions we cover. In this part, Law Report Group editors Jill Abitbol, Robin L. Barton and Megan Zwiebel profile notable women in data privacy, cybersecurity, private funds and anti-corruption law, including Anne-Gabrielle Haie, Jessica Lee, Micaela McMurrough, Laura Perkins, Amanda Raad, Madelyn Calabrese, Ranah Esmaili and Genna Garver. Enjoy reading their inspiring remarks here.