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Yaron Dori has over 20 years of experience in telecommunications, privacy, and consumer protection law, advising telecom, technology, life sciences, media and other types of companies on their most pressing business challenges. He is a former chair of the Communications and Media practice group and currently serves as a member of the firm’s eight-person Management Committee.
Mr. Dori’s practice focuses on strategic planning, policy development, transactions, investigations and enforcement, and regulatory compliance.
He represents clients before federal regulatory agencies—including the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)—and the U.S. Congress in connection with a range of policy issues under the Communications Act, the Federal Trade Commission Act, and similar statutes. He also represents clients on state regulatory and enforcement matters, including those that pertain to telecommunications and data privacy regulation. His unique experience in telecommunications, privacy, and consumer protection enables him to advise clients on key business issues in which these areas intersect.
With respect to telecommunications matters, Mr. Dori advises clients on a broad range of business, policy and consumer-facing issues, including:
- Broadband deployment and regulation;
- IP-enabled applications, services and content;
- Equipment and device authorization procedures;
- The Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (CALEA);
- Customer Proprietary Network Information (CPNI) requirements;
- The Cable Privacy Act
- Net Neutrality; and
- Local competition, universal service, and intercarrier compensation.
Mr. Dori also has extensive experience in structuring transactions and securing regulatory approvals at both the federal and state levels for mergers, asset acquisitions and similar transactions involving large and small FCC and state licensees.
With respect to privacy and consumer protection matters, Mr. Dori advises clients on a range of business, strategic, policy and compliance issues, including those that pertain to:
- The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA);
- The Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA);
- Location-based services that use WiFi, beacons or similar technologies;
- Online Behavioral Advertising;
- Online advertising practices, including native advertising and endorsements and testimonials; and
- The application of federal and state telemarketing, commercial fax, and other consumer protection laws, such as the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), to voice, text, and video transmissions.
Mr. Dori also has experience advising companies on FCC (Enforcement Bureau), FTC and state attorney general investigations into various consumer protection and communications matters, including those pertaining to social media influencers, digital disclosures, product discontinuance, and advertising claims.
- Advised senior executives at large, publicly-traded companies on individual liability matters before the Federal Trade Commission.
- Advised large medical device companies on their global data privacy obligations, as well as FCC equipment authorization requirements.
- Advised various large, Fortune 1000 companies on regulatory compliance and enforcement matters pertaining to the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, including automated text message programs, and FCC robocall requirements.
- Advised Tower Three Partners on the sale of telecommunications carrier NTS, Inc., to Clarity Telecom, LLC.
- Advised Merck on data privacy and equipment authorization issues pertaining to its multi-billion dollar acquisition of Antelliq Group.
- Advised GSK on data privacy matters pertaining to its proposed collaboration with 23andMe for the use of genetic and phenotypic data to engage in various research and development activities.
- Represented major technology and media companies on net neutrality policy.
- Advised large and small technology companies on product discontinuance policies and associated consumer protection considerations under the FTC Act and state law.
- Represented CenturyLink, Inc. on communications regulatory and national security matters in connection with its acquisition of Level 3 Communications Inc. in a transaction valued at $34 billion.
- Represented Berkshire Partners LLC on communications regulatory matters in its acquisition of a majority interest in Masergy Communications, Inc., a leading global service provider of hybrid networking, managed security, and cloud communications solutions.
- Resolved FTC investigation pertaining to the use of social media influencers in online marketing campaigns.
- Represented Madison Dearborn Partners on communications regulatory matters in its acquisition of Intermedia.net, Inc., a leading cloud business applications provider.
- Represented Altice S.A. on communications regulatory matters pertaining to its:
- $17.7 billion acquisition of Cablevision Systems Corporation; and
- $9.1 billion acquisition of U.S. cable, telecommunications and broadband service provider Cequel Corporation d/b/a Suddenlink.
- Represented various communications and technology companies on the implementation of the FCC’s Net Neutrality rules.
- Representing numerous pharmaceutical and travel companies in their appeal to the D.C. Circuit of an FCC decision pertaining to the required inclusion of an opt-out notice for consensual faxes under the TCPA.
- Resolved FTC investigation into student marketing and disclosure practices by a for-profit educational institution.
- Represented a large telecommunications service provider in resolving an enforcement investigation pertaining to a 911 outage.
- Represented a Fortune 500 company in connection with an FTC investigation into its social media marketing practices.
- Counseled a large telecommunications service provider in connection with its privacy and CPNI practices and a related FCC enforcement investigation.
- Represented a major software and technology company on telecommunications regulatory matters in connection with its acquisition of an industry-leading peer-to-peer application provider.
- Advised the Privacy Ombudsman to the Bankruptcy Court in the liquidation and sale of data assets held by the Borders bookstore.
- Represented the steering committee of secured creditors in the restructuring of FairPoint Communications.
- Advised a major private equity firm on privacy and data security matters in connection with its acquisition of a large marketing and lead generator company.
- Represented several large health care providers in connection with their receipt of federal Universal Service Fund support.
- Advised a major service provider in connection with its application for broadband stimulus funding pursuant to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
- Counseled broadband service and application providers in connection with the development and implementation of behavioral advertising technologies and practices in the U.S., including matters before the U.S. Congress, the FTC and the courts.
- Advised a large, multi-national company in connection with multiple state attorney general investigations into its consumer privacy practices.
- Represented a private investor in its proposed acquisition of a major provider of global satellite-based telecommunication services.
- Represented a telecommunications carrier in connection with universal service compliance matters, including an investigation by the U.S. Congress and the FCC.
- Counseled a mobile application provider in connection with net neutrality and short code issues, including the application of Mobile Marketing Association guidelines to the client’s text message business.
- Represented the U.S. affiliate of a major foreign telecommunications carrier in connection with its privacy-related obligations under U.S. law.
- Counseled a major media company on telecommunications-related privacy matters related to its development of a Mobile Virtual Network Operator affiliate.
Memberships and Affiliations
- Federal Communications Bar Association, Past-President (2012-2013); President (2011-2012)
- International Association of Privacy Professionals, Education Advisory Board Member (2013-2015)
- At-Large Member, Brandeis University Alumni Board (2019-Present)
Covington Assists Veritas Capital with Federal IT and Mission Support Services Acquisition
December 8, 2020
WASHINGTON—Covington is assisting Veritas Capital and its portfolio company Peraton with their pending acquisition of the federal IT and mission support services business of Northrop Grumman for $3.4 billion. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2021. Peraton is a trusted provider of highly differentiated space, intelligence, cyber, defense, ...
November 12, 2020, Covington Alert
The election of Joe Biden as President will influence virtually all areas of U.S. policy, including at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). We previously previewed (here and here) key aspects of communications policy that would be affected by the presidential election and what a Democratic-led FCC would mean for each. To advance its communications policy ...
October 27, 2020, Covington Alert
The November 3, 2020 election is likely to be a watershed event in the development of privacy law in the U.S. This client alert provides a high-level overview of the areas in which change is likely to occur, depending on how the election turns out. 1. Federal Legislation Unlike most countries of its size, the U.S. does not yet have a broadly applicable data ...
October 20, 2020, Covington Alert
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is an independent agency, but its agenda is controlled by its Chairman, who along with any new Commissioners, is appointed by the President. The November 3rd election therefore will have a substantial effect on the FCC’s policies for the telecommunications, media, and technology sectors in 2021 and beyond. This alert ...
October 15, 2020, Inside Privacy
FCC Chairman Pai announced today that the FCC will move forward with a rulemaking to clarify the meaning of Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act (CDA). To date, Section 230 generally has been interpreted to mean that social media companies, ISPs, and other “online intermediaries” have not been subject to liability for their users’...… Continue Reading
October 1, 2020, Covington Alert
On September 30, the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) unanimously adopted an order formalizing the referral and review process associated with “Team Telecom”—the group of national security and law enforcement agencies responsible for assessing foreign investment in U.S. telecommunications, submarine cable licensees, and broadcast licensees. The order ...
August 18, 2020, Inside Privacy
Two developments in the past week will likely have a significant impact on businesses subject to the California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”): the long-awaited CCPA regulations have been finalized and put into immediate effect with modifications, while at the same time it seems increasingly likely that the exemptions for employees’ and business-to-business ...
March 22, 2020, Inside Privacy
Yesterday, the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) on its own motion released a Declaratory Ruling to confirm that the COVID-19 pandemic constitutes an “emergency” under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (“TCPA”); as a consequence, hospitals, health care providers, state and local health officials, and other government officials may lawfully ...
January 7, 2020, Covington Alert
In late December, Congress passed and the President signed into law the TRACED Act, which is aimed at curbing unwanted robocalls. The new law also directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to revise certain rules under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) to accomplish this objective, but those revisions are not expected to change typical TCPA ...
October 11, 2019, Covington Alert
On October 10, 2019, California state attorney general Xavier Becerra announced the release of proposed implementing regulations concerning the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). Interested stakeholders can submit written comments until December 6, 2019 at 5 PM (Pacific Time). In addition, four public hearings will be held on December 2nd (Sacramento), ...
September 27, 2019, Covington Alert
Real estate developer Alastair Mactaggart is making news with the announcement of another privacy ballot initiative, the California Privacy Rights and Enforcement Act (“CPREA”). He intends to include his new initiative on the November 2020 ballot.
May 16, 2019, Covington Alert
We are writing to provide an update on two important developments in U.S. national security-based regulation of trade: (1) a new, potentially expansive Executive Order on information and communications technology supply into the U.S. market, and (2) the Department of Commerce’s action to add Huawei to the Entity List.
July 30, 2018
SILICON VALLEY—Covington advised GlaxoSmithKline on its multi-year collaboration with and $300 million equity investment in 23andMe. GSK will become 23andMe’s exclusive collaborator for drug target discovery programs. The collaboration will focus on research and development of innovative new medicines and potential cures using human genetics as the basis for ...
July 3, 2018, Covington Alert
On June 28, 2018, the Governor of California signed the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (“CCPA”). The new law is the most comprehensive data privacy statute in the United States and introduces significant privacy requirements for covered businesses. The CCPA takes effect on January 1, 2020, but based on comments from both the public-interest and business ...
May 29, 2018, Inside Privacy
A class-action lawsuit filed last month alleges that Wal-Mart’s video recording technology at its self-service checkout kiosks collects “personal identification information” in violation of the California Song-Beverly Act Credit Card Act of 1971 (“Song-Beverly Act”). The Song-Beverly Act, like analogous statutes in several other states, generally prohibits ...
FTC Signals Tougher Stance on Mobile Privacy Protection
March 29, 2018, E-Commerce Times
Yaron Dori is quoted in an E-Commerce Times article regarding the FTC's recent report on mobile privacy protection. According to Dori, "The FTC is limited in its ability to bring enforcement actions against telecommunications carriers because of the 'common carrier' exemption in the FTC Act." A federal appeals court recently ruled that this exemption does not ...
FTC Recommends Greater Transparency, Better Recordkeeping and Further Streamlining of Mobile Security Practices
March 28, 2018, The Cybersecurity Law Report
Yaron Dori is quoted by The Cybersecurity Law Report in an article regarding the FTC's report, “Mobile Security Updates: Understanding the Issues." “The FTC has long been interested in data security and the extent to which consumer data—especially personally identifiable or sensitive consumer data—is protected from unauthorized disclosure,” say Dori. Dori calls ...
March 1, 2018, Inside Privacy
On February 28, 2018, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) issued a report discussing security updates for mobile devices. The report stems from information the FTC collected from eight mobile device manufacturers — Apple, Blackberry, Google, HTC, LG, Microsoft, Motorola, and Samsung — and from information the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) collected ...
January 8, 2018, Covington Advisory
In late December, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) released a Staff Report titled Blurred Lines: An Exploration of Consumers’ Advertising Recognition in the Contexts of Search Engines and Native Advertising. This Report is the most recent sign of the FTC’s continuing interest in native advertising and effective online disclosures. This study builds upon the ...
November 1, 2017
WASHINGTON—Covington represented CenturyLink in its acquisition of Level 3 Communications in a cash and stock transaction valued at approximately $34 billion. The acquisition closed today. The firm assisted Century Link in obtaining regulatory approvals by the Federal Communications Commission and state public utilities regulators, and in national security ...
May 1, 2017, Covington Alert
In a widely anticipated step, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai has released the text of a draft Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (“NPRM”) proposing to change the legal framework that governs broadband providers, eliminate the “Internet conduct standard” for evaluating broadband provider practices on a case-by-case basis, and seek comment on whether to keep, modify, or ...
Former Senior Official At FCC Rejoins Covington
February 1, 2017, Law360
Matt DelNero and Yaron Dori are quoted in a Law360 article regarding DelNero’s return to Covington as a partner in its Communications and Media Practice Group where he will oversee a diverse portfolio of telecom issues, including broadband expansion, privacy, data security and merger activity, bringing to the practice a new appreciation for the policy process ...
Senior FCC Official Rejoins Covington
February 1, 2017
WASHINGTON—Matthew S. DelNero has rejoined Covington as a partner in its Communications and Media Practice Group in Washington. Mr. DelNero most recently served as Chief of the Federal Communications Commission’s Wireline Competition Bureau. Mr. DelNero was a Covington partner from 2011 until January 2014, when he became Deputy Chief of the Wireline Competition ...
FCC Enforcement Survival Guide: Fighting An NAL
September 9, 2015, Law360
Yaron Dori was quoted in this article.
Yaron Dori has been quoted in a variety of publications
2011-2015
"FCC Enforcement Survival Guide: Fighting An NAL" Law360 (9/9/2015) "FCC Enforcement Survival Guide: Perks Of Settling Early" Law360 (9/8/2015) "FCC Enforcement Survival Guide: Start Of The Inquiry" Law360 (9/4/2015) "USA: FTC Unveils Safe Harbor Deception" DataGuidance (8/20/2015) "Net Neutrality Survives, But FCC's Fight Has Just Begun" ...
July 16, 2015, Inside Privacy
Last week, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released the text of its long-awaited order addressing certain aspects of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and related FCC rules. The order addressed a total of 21 petitions seeking “clarification or other actions” regarding the TCPA, principally in connection with automated calls and text ...
May 22, 2015
NEW YORK, May 22, 2015 — Covington advised European telecommunications company Altice S.A. (Euronext ATC) in a $9.1 billion deal to acquire a controlling stake in Suddenlink, the seventh largest cable operator in the U.S. Under the terms of the agreement, Altice will enter the U.S. cable television and broadband market by acquiring 70 percent of the share ...
May 12, 2015, Inside Counsel
October 2014, Data Protection Law & Policy
August 18, 2014
WASHINGTON, DC, August 18, 2014 — Best Lawyers named Covington & Burling’s Stuart Eizenstat and Gregg Levy each a 2015 “Lawyer of the Year” in international trade and sports law, respectively, citing their “abilities, professionalism and integrity.” Overall, Covington lawyers received 217 individual mentions in 58 areas of law in the newly released annual survey ...
May 16, 2014, Inside Privacy
Yesterday, the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations held a hearing on “Online Advertising and Hidden Hazards to Consumer Security and Data Privacy.” The hearing was based on a year-long investigation into a broader set of issues related to consumer privacy and security on the Internet, which narrowed over time to focus specifically on the...… ...
April 11, 2014, Covington E-Alert
Covington Advises BBVA in Acquisition of Simple
February 20, 2014
NEW YORK, February 20, 2014 — Covington & Burling represented Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, an international financial group based in Spain, in its acquisition of financial technology company Simple. The acquisition is part of BBVA's strategy to lead the technology-driven change that is transforming the financial services industry. According to Francisco ...
November 1, 2013, Inside Privacy
Earlier today, the FCC placed on public notice two petitions requesting that the agency clarify or forbear from enforcing certain aspects of its new TCPA regulations that went into effect on October 16, 2013. Those regulations, which we summarized here, created, among other things, a new “prior express written consent” requirement for the transmission of...… ...
October 17, 2013, Inside Privacy
Earlier today, two entities — the Direct Marketing Association (“DMA”) and a Coalition of Mobile Engagement Providers (“Coalition”) — filed petitions at the FCC asking the agency to stay and forbear from enforcing, or clarify, certain aspects of the “prior express written consent” requirement that went into effect yesterday for prerecorded calls to residential ...
October 17, 2013, InsidePrivacy Blog
October 11, 2013, Inside Privacy
Last week, I spoke on a panel at the IAPP Privacy Academy about upcoming changes to FCC regulations governing the “prior express consent” requirement for, among other things, autodialed promotional text message and prerecorded call programs under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). These changes will take effect next week, on October 16, 2013. ...
October 9, 2013, Covington E-Alert
September 30, 2013, Covington E-Alert
January 28, 2013
WASHINGTON, DC, January 28, 2013 — Law360 named Covington one of the top five “Media & Entertainment Practice Groups of the Year.” In a profile highlighting Covington’s communications and media-related work, Law360 noted the group’s recent victory for independent television networks. The firm convinced the Federal Communications Commission that Comcast Cable ...
August 27, 2012
WASHINGTON, DC, August 27, 2012 — Covington & Burling LLP lawyers received 196 individual mentions in 57 areas of law in the 2013 edition of The Best Lawyers in America. This annual compilation of top U.S. lawyers is based on peer-review surveys and is used as a referral guide in the legal profession. The Covington lawyers recognized are as ...
Covington Lawyers Recognized by D.C. Super Lawyers
May 2, 2012
WASHINGTON, DC, May 2, 2012 — D.C. Super Lawyers selected 64 Covington & Burling lawyers for its 2012 list of top legal talent. Super Lawyers selects no more than five percent of the total lawyers who practice in Washington based on peer review and the publication’s independent research. Deborah Garza and Robert Long have been named among the “Top 100” for ...
February 27, 2012, Covington E-Alert
Covington’s Yaron Dori Assumes Role as FCBA President
7/1/2011
WASHINGTON, DC, July 1, 2011 — Covington & Burling LLP is pleased to announce that effective today Yaron Dori will assume the presidency of the Federal Communications Bar Association, the nation’s largest non-profit organization of communications lawyers and professionals. Mr. Dori, co-chair of the firm’s communications and media practice group, has been active ...
June 10, 2011
WASHINGTON, DC, June 10, 2011 — Covington & Burling LLP received 123 individual mentions and 45 practice mentions in Chambers USA 2011. The guidebook, which ranks lawyers by state and national practice area, is designed to identify the most skilled legal practitioners based on the qualities most valued by clients. Here are the Covington lawyers and practices ...
June 9, 2011
WASHINGTON, DC, June 10, 2011 — Covington & Burling LLP received 92 individual mentions and 32 practice mentions in the Legal 500 US 2011 edition. Legal 500 reviews the strengths and strategies of law firms in more than 90 countries in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, North and South America, and the Caribbean. Here are the Covington lawyers and practices ...
Covington Advises Microsoft in $8.5 Billion Skype Deal
May 10, 2011
WASHINGTON, SAN FRANCISCO, BRUSSELS, AND LONDON, May 10, 2011 —Covington & Burling LLP is advising Microsoft Corp. in its acquisition of Skype Global S.à.r.l., the leading Internet communications company, for $8.5 billion in cash. Microsoft’s purchase of Skype from the investor group led by Silver Lake is expected to increase the accessibility of real-time ...
January 28, 2011, Covington E-Alert
New Developments in Privacy & Data Security
January 12, 2011, Silicon Valley Innovation & Law Conference
December 27, 2010, Covington E-Alert
December 14, 2010, Covington E-Alert
December 1, 2010, Covington E-Alert
October 19, 2010, Covington E-Alert
June 23, 2010
WASHINGTON, DC, June 23, 2010 — Covington & Burling LLP received 85 individual mentions and 23 practice mentions in the Legal 500 US 2010 edition. Legal 500 reviews the strengths and strategies of law firms in more than 90 countries in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, North and South America, and the Caribbean. Here are the Covington lawyers and practices ...
June 18, 2010, Covington E-Alert
June 16, 2010
WASHINGTON, DC, June 16, 2010 — Covington & Burling LLP received 112 individual mentions and 44 practice mentions in Chambers USA 2010. The guidebook, which ranks lawyers by state and national practice area, is designed to identify the most skilled legal practitioners based on the qualities most valued by clients. Here are the Covington lawyers and practices ...
March 22, 2010, Covington E-Alert
FCC Releases "National Broadband Plan For Our Future"
March 19, 2010, Covington Report
January 5, 2010, Covington E-Alert
October 30, 2009, Covington E-Alert
October 6, 2009, Covington E-Alert
Covington Promotes 10 Lawyers to Partnership
10/1/2009
WASHINGTON, DC, October 1, 2009 — Covington & Burling LLP today announced that ten of its lawyers have been elected to the firm’s partnership effective today. The new partners practice in the corporate, litigation, and regulatory fields. The ten new partners and their practices are as follows: Marney Cheek (International) represents companies and trade ...
July 14, 2009, Covington E-Alert
June 19, 2009, Covington E-Alert
February 23, 2009, Covington E-Alert
January 23, 2009, Covington E-Alert
January 6, 2009, Covington Advisory
Government Affairs Practice Group Post Election Analysis
November 7, 2008, Covington Report
9/23/08
WASHINGTON, DC, September 23, 2008 — GHL Acquisition Corp. today announced plans to acquire Iridium Holdings LLC in a transaction valued at approximately $591 million. Upon completion of the transaction, the combined enterprise will be renamed Iridium Communications Inc. and apply for listing on the NASDAQ. Covington & Burling LLP served as special ...
6/10/2008
WASHINGTON, DC, June 10, 2008 — Covington & Burling LLP is pleased to announce that Yaron Dori has joined the firm’s communications and media practice group as of counsel. Mr. Dori will be based in Washington. Mr. Dori practices primarily in the area of communications and privacy law. He has played key roles in structuring and securing regulatory approvals for ...
Yaron Dori is quoted in Legaltech News regarding the D.C. Circuit’s decision to strike down the Federal Communications Commission’s expanded auto-dialer definition as too broad. Mr. Dori said he’s seen a tremendous boom in TCPA litigation in recent years. This is in part, he said, because the TCPA has been adapted to meet challenges posed by evolving technology, ...
- Recognized in Chambers USA, Telecom, Broadcast & Satellite - Regulatory (2010-2019)
- Recognized in Legal 500 US, Telecom & Broadcast - Regulatory (2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010); Telecoms & Broadcast - Transactional (2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010); Data Protection & Privacy (2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009); Marketing & Advertising (2014, 2013, 2011, 2010)
- BTI Client Service All-Star (2019)
- Best Lawyers in America, Communications; Media Law (2013-2020)
- Washington DC Super Lawyers, Communications (2012-2019)
- Who’s Who Legal, TMT (2017)
- Law360, Media & Entertainment Group of the Year (2012, 2014)
- Federal Communications Bar Association, Recipient of Distinguished Service Award (2003-2004)
California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)
We are representing clients on California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) compliance, including in the legislative amendment and rulemaking proceedings associated with the CCPA and in developing working plans to come into compliance with the CCPA.