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Insights & News / Internet
November 28, 2017
Seminar on Data Protection and Privacy
Barnea is hosting another seminar today for startups and entrepreneurs on data protection and privacy. The seminar will also cover website accessibility requirements and feature a guest lecture by a representative of the Israeli Digital Organization.
August 8, 2017
Monetary Authority of Singapore to Begin Regulating the Issuance of Virtual Currencies
Adv. Daniel Israeli was interviewed by TheMarker after the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) announced it would begin regulating the issuance of virtual currencies (ICO). Daniel noted that Singapore has developed into a destination of sorts for ICOs, and thus the MAS' decision will certainly change the rules of the game.
July 27, 2017
SEC's Initial Coin Offering Ruling
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) ruled that initial coin offerings are subject to the same requirements as those falling under federal securities laws. Read our interview in TheMarker.
May 29, 2017
Regulators Tighten Screws on Online Gambling
In an interview with TheMarker, we discussed how the regulation of online gambling companies is becoming increasingly more onerous.
May 10, 2017
The Regulator Has Entered the Casino
In response to the emerging trend of tightening regulation on online gambling companies, we were asked to participate in an interview with TheMarker. We commented that regulation in this area comes in two forms: one is market regulation and the imposition of licensing fees, gambling taxes, and corporate tax, and the second is banning online activity, imposing fines, and filing indictments.
May 7, 2017
Tel Aviv University Innovation Conference
Barnea is participating in the Tel Aviv University Innovation Conference for the second year. Adv. Micky Barnea will deliver a lecture on the legal challenges facing late-stage startups and serve as a judge in the competition final alongside mentors from Shazam, Prezi, Capsula, Strauss Group, and IAI. Adv. Yuval Lazi and Adv. Ariella Dreyfuss will judge the startup competition in the fintech, gaming, and IoT categories. Yuval will also participate in a panel discussion on startup funding alongside a representative of the Office of the Chief Scientist, the CEO of TAU Ventures, and the CEO of Cockpit, El Al’s startup support program.
February 26, 2017
E-Commerce – Law and Legal Authority
A partner in our Internet Department published an op-ed in TheMarker examining how e-commerce activities may be subject to multiple legal systems with differing, and sometimes conflicting, requirements, particularly in licensing and regulation.
February 5, 2017
Doing Business in Israel – Practical Law
Doing business in Israel? A QA guide to doing business in Israel written by Barnea was published by Practical Law. The guide provides an overview of the legal system, foreign investment, regulation, and other issues pertaining to Israel.
January 24, 2017
Israel Seeks Tax on Bitcoin, Virtual Currency Transactions
Adv. Harel Perlmutter, head of our Tax Department, was interview by Bloomberg on an Israel Tax Authority draft circular on the taxation of virtual currencies (bitcoins and the like). Harel commented that the draft imposes almost insurmountable restrictions on the use of virtual currencies in Israel, due to the liabilities and costs involved.
August 4, 2016
Barnea Represents Stride Gaming PLC
Adv. Karin Kashi recently represented Stride Gaming PLC, an online Bingo operator traded on AIM, London, in a major transaction. The Stride group acquired the assets and shares of Tarco Limited and Netboost Media Limited for a consideration of up to GBP 40.2 million. GBP 22 million of the amount will be paid in accordance with the 2017 EBITDA of the acquired businesses.
July 24, 2016
CySEC Steps Up Enforcement of Israeli Forex Companies
The Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) has stepped up enforcement against Israeli companies operating in the forex and binary options sectors and is pursuing reforms that could restrict their operations. The head of our Internet Department told Calcalist that Israeli companies operating in Cyprus are exploring alternative locations, including Malta and other EU member states in Eastern Europe.
June 27, 2016
Effect of Brexit Referendum Results on Online Gambling Companies
We were interviewed by Calcalist on the effect of the Brexit referendum results on online gambling companies. We expect that Malta can become an option for gambling companies who require an online gambling license from an EU member state.
June 14, 2016
Microsoft Buys LinkedIn for USD 26.2 Billion
Microsoft announced on Monday that it had agreed to acquire LinkedIn, the professional networking platform, for USD 26.2 billion, or USD 196 per share. Following the announcement, the Head of our Internet Department, who advises internet companies on mergers and acquisitions, discussed the deal on Galatz radio’s “Good Morning Israel” and in an interview with Israel Hayom.
June 1, 2016
Property Contractors May Be Breaching Privacy Laws
Apartment buyers in Afula were surprised to receive calls from a mortgage advisory company despite not having consented to the contractor sharing their personal information with it. The Ministry of Construction and Housing responded that, “if necessary, we will clarify the guidelines.” The Privacy Protection Act regulates the use of personal information held in databases, and sharing such information with third parties without the individual’s consent may violate the Act.
April 12, 2016
New Guidelines Issued by Israel Tax Authority
TheMarker interviewed the head of our Internet Department about new guidelines issued by the Israel Tax Authority on collecting VAT and income tax from foreign companies, such as Facebook and Google, that conduct substantial business online in Israel.
March 22, 2016
Israel Securities Authority Bans Binary Options
In a letter circulated yesterday, the Israel Securities Authority informed binary options companies of its decision to ban binary options trading in Israel.
March 22, 2016
Algorithmic Trading – Adv. Moran Bickel Op-Ed
In recent months, the Israel Securities Authority (ISA) has halted the operations of numerous algorithmic trading companies on the grounds that their activities constitute investment portfolio management without the legally required license. In an op-ed published in Bizportal, Adv. Moran Bickel argues that the ISA should establish a dedicated regulatory framework for assessing algorithmic trading companies.
March 3, 2016
Globes IT Magazine – Roundtable
We participated in a roundtable hosted by Globes IT magazine on internet law, cybersecurity, data privacy and the impact of technology. The discussion appears on pages 28-29.
February 24, 2016
Angel Investor Workshop
As part of our collaboration with the MIT Enterprise Forum of Israel, our firm will participate in a six-session workshop for angel investors. Adv. Micky Barnea, Adv. Yuval Lazi, and Adv. Ariella Dreyfuss will deliver lectures during the workshop.
February 4, 2016
Israeli Gambling Market Review
Largely outside the media spotlight and public awareness, Israel has become a global player in the online gambling industry. The sector offers rewarding careers and competitive salaries, but its negative image means employees do not always disclose what they do for a living. The head of our Internet Department was interviewed by TheMarker for its special report on the gambling market.