Richmond Journal of Law and Technology

The first exclusively online law review.

Tag: Richmond Law

Who is Responsible in an Accident Involving a Car With Autonomous Driving Features?

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On June 29, 2025

In Blog Posts

Who is Responsible in an Accident Involving a Car With Autonomous Driving Features?

By: Bo Li

Advanced driver assistance systems (“ADAS”) are technological features designed to improve vehicle driving safety.[1] These systems improve safety and reaction time to potential hazards through warning and automated systems.[2] With 42,514 people dying in motor vehicle crashes in 2022, many of which were related to human error, ADAS can not only help keep drivers and passengers safe, but also protect other drivers and pedestrians.[3] Tesla’s Autopilot is an ADAS that improves the safety and convenience of driving, and when used properly, can reduce the overall workload of the driver.[4] In 2021, many other manufacturers also offered ADAS, with at least 97 models featuring adaptive cruise control with lane-centering steering.[5]

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Increased IRS Tracking of Cryptocurrency: Form 1099-DA

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On June 29, 2025

In Blog Posts

Increased IRS Tracking of Cryptocurrency: Form 1099-DA

By: Elise Norotsky

Beginning January 1, 2025, cryptocurrency will have its first form of standardized reporting, the form 1099-DA, Digital Asset Proceeds From Broker Transactions.[1] The form reports gross proceeds and gain, loss and cost-basis information and is filed by brokers dealing with digital assets, such as Coinbase, Kraken, or Gemini.[2] Prior to its enactment, the lack of standardized reporting made the realm difficult to efficiently audit, and thus regulate. This significant shift in how digital assets like cryptocurrencies and NFTs are taxed aligns digital asset reporting with traditional financial and tax reporting practices.[3] While it makes certain aspects easier for investors, taxpayers with digital assets should expect an uptick in audits and investigations in addition to complexities introduced by new rules for computing gains and losses, determining cost basis, and applying backup withholding.[4] Additional problems arise for those holding previously unreported crypto, foreign exchanges, and real estate transactions involving digital assets.[5]

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Automated License Plate Readers in Virginia

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On April 12, 2025

In Blog Posts

Automated License Plate Readers in Virginia

By: John Peaden

Cameras are ubiquitous. You speed through a traffic light near Washington, D.C. and receive a speeding ticket in the mail. You drive through an EZ Pass Lane and get a photo captured of your car which then bills your account.

Unbeknownst to most, however, is that 167 law enforcement agencies across Virginia are now using public-facing surveillance technology such as Automatic License Plate Readers (“ALPR”) and gunshot listening devices.[1] ALPRs collect and retain data on a vast number of vehicles, regardless of whether the driver or any occupants are engaged in criminal activity.[2] This data can be used to track a vehicle in real time or analyzed to identify individual movements and patterns of behavior.[3]

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The Environmental Crisis: How Social Media is the Turning Point Needed to Drive Change

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On March 31, 2025

In Blog Posts

The Environmental Crisis: How Social Media is the Turning Point Needed to Drive Change

By: Kaelynn Wallace

Our way of life is deteriorating both our health and the habitability of our planet, yet we remain indifferent.[1] The methods by which our global society produces food, utilizes land and water, travels, consumes energy, and manages a growing population have all contributed to these environmental shifts.[2] Environmental change is alteration of the environment that can be driven by both natural processes and human activities.[3] These changes lead to climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion.[4] The consequences of these changes can be seen right now.[5] Global temperatures are rising, with the rate of warming accelerating three times as fast as it did in 1982.[6] Nearly the entire global population now lives in areas where the air quality exceeds guidelines, contributing to the premature deaths of 6.7 million people annually.[7] Since 1970, the global wildlife population has declined by an average of 68%, and one million species are currently at risk of extinction.[8] Furthermore, in the past five decades, global resource extraction has tripled.[9]

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Google’s Geofencing Stance: an Ode to Apple in 2016

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On July 15, 2024

In Blog Posts

Google’s Geofencing Stance: an Ode to Apple in 2016

By Michael Mellon

 

 

In 2016 Apple faced off with the federal government, who had obtained an order to compel Apple to create software which would allow the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) to unlock a cellphone used by a suspected terrorist.[1]  The software was needed because Apple had recently redesigned its operating system, making it impossible for anyone to access information stored on one of their devices.[2]  The government maintained that the All Writs Act justified the compulsion because it “empower[s] judges to order that something be done, even if the legislative body (here, Congress) hasn’t officially said that it should be.”[3]  It further relied on a test established in United States v. New York Telephone Co. concerning the same.[4]  Apple was prepared to challenge this, but the issue became moot when the United States Attorney’s Office indicated it had found another means of entry into the phone.[5]  This situation may very well have been the inspiration for Google’s recent stance related to mobile devices.

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