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Sean D. Reyes
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AG Reyes Demonstrates VirTra Training Program to Legislative Interns

Today our interns for the 2024 legislative session capped off their time with the UAGO by participating in our VirTra training program. VirTra is an immersive law enforcement simulation that the UAGO uses to train our law enforcement personnel.

By participating in VirTra immersive modules, trainees get the opportunity to experience a fraction of the pressure that comes with the difficult, life-changing scenarios that our brave LE personnel face every day.

We are grateful for our interns, whose boundless energy and curiosity help our office better serve the people of Utah. They will always be a part of the UAGO family.

AG Reyes Joins Coalition of States Defending Montana’s TikTok Ban

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – Attorney General Sean D. Reyes joined an amicus brief, led by the State of Virginia, in Alario v. TikTok. The case, which is pending at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, involves a challenge to the State of Montana’s recently enacted law, SB 419, which prohibits TikTok from being downloaded within its borders. The Montana law provides that the prohibition will cease to apply if TikTok is sold to a company that is not incorporated in a country designated as a foreign adversary by the U.S. State Department.

After SB 419 was passed by the Montana Legislature with bipartisan support and signed into law earlier this spring, TikTok and a group of TikTok users successfully convinced a federal judge to block the policy from taking effect. The coalition of States on the brief are asking the appeals court to reverse the decision to block the Montana law.

“The longstanding battle to resist federal overreach has become even more critical in recent years as states enact reasonable laws to protect their citizens from myriad dangers including new and evolving technological  threats,” said General Reyes.

“Montana officials, like many current American leaders, saw the harms TikTok caused their children and acted accordingly. It is our duty as state attorneys general to protect the most vulnerable among us. For this reason, I join my colleagues in urging the Ninth Circuit to reverse the district court and allow this law to go into effect.”

In their brief, the States argue that “SB 419 fits comfortably within the States’ historic police powers” and that “the balance of the equities weighs in favor of Montana.” The attorneys general write, “Make no mistake: TikTok harms American citizens everywhere – including in Montana. In particular, children have lost their lives to TikTok’s promotion of harmful content on its platform. TikTok’s continued resistance to reasonable regulation will almost certainly harm more children.”

Joining Utah and Virginia on this brief were the States of Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Texas.

Read the brief here.

AGO Takes Action to Protect Utahns Against Foreign-Sponsored Terrorism

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – Attorney General Sean D. Reyes joined a letter to President Joe Biden regarding the administration’s recent order to waive certain sanctions on Iranian funds for 120 days. The communication to the White House was led by the State of Iowa.

The attorneys general convey their strong concerns over the Biden administration’s decision to give Iran “access to more than ten billion dollars out of frozen accounts located in Iraq, Oman, and Europe.” The States make the case that Iran should not receive these funds after “the horrific Iran-sponsored terror attack on Israel and non-stop Iran sponsored terrorism directed against U.S. interests.” Additionally, the coalition highlights the risk for an Iran-sponsored terrorist to cross the porous U.S. southern border.

In the letter, the attorneys general write, “Money is fungible, so the $10 billion sanctions waiver is subsidizing this mayhem. At the same time, with no transparency as to the European and Middle Eastern banks involved in processing transactions with or for Iran— and no disclosure of the nature of the transactions, let alone the names of the Iranian counterparties—this waiver puts American multinational banks and companies at risk of unknowingly engaging in illegal or even criminal terrorist finance activities.”

Joining Utah and Iowa on the letter were the States of Alaska, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Louisiana, Montana, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, and Virginia.

Read the letter here.

AG Reyes, Coalition of 43 States, Urge FTC to Strengthen Online Privacy and Safety Protections for America’s Youth

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – Attorney General Sean D. Reyes joined a bipartisan comment letter to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) over its new rule under the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) urging the Commission to “update the COPPA Rule to keep pace and give State Attorneys General the tools they need to respond to a digital world rife with risk.” The letter, which was led by the States of Oregon, Illinois, Mississippi, and Tennessee, was sent by the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG).

The COPPA Rule, which was promulgated in 2000, “impos[es] certain requirements on operators of websites or online services directed to children under 13 years of age, and on operators of other websites or online services that have actual knowledge that they are collecting personal information online from a child under 13 years of age.” According to the letter from NAAG, “since the COPPA Rule became effective on April 21, 2000, State Attorneys General, on their own and in partnership with the Commission, have pursued actions for violations of the COPPA rule.”

Attorney General Reyes states, “Attorneys general across America are again overcoming partisan divides and focusing on what’s most important—protecting our children. These federal rules have become obsolete. The online landscape has evolved immensely since COPPA was established. Our children are facing a whole new world of challenges and threats. We implore the FTC to adapt accordingly and strengthen child protection online.”

“It is heartwarming, and even hopeful, that so many states attorneys general are focusing on the safety of children,” said Utah’s statewide coordinator for child and family safety, Missy Larsen. “The FTC is a powerful organization that can immediately make a difference with updated rules that align with current and real online threats.”

In their letter, the coalition of attorneys general makes several comments on the proposed rule revisions from the FTC, including the rule’s prohibition against conditioning a child’s participation on collection of personal information. They write that “as partners with the Commission in ensuring COPPA is enforced and children are protected, the States possess a unique and important perspective on how effective the COPPA Rule has been, the fundamental values and protections it upholds, and what improvements should be made.”

Joining Utah, Oregon, Illinois, Mississippi, and Tennessee on the letter were the States of Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin; as well as the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands.

Read the letter here.

AGO Podcast: Crimes Against Statewide Economy

The Utah AG’s Office became the first state to take on organized retail theft full-time. We’ll explain how it’s made a huge difference.

Crimes Against the Statewide Economy are enforced by the AG’s CASE Unit. CASE was launched in 2020, with retailers’ support and funding. In today’s society, they are grateful that the investment they made is paying off.  The question is, what lies ahead?

In this episode of Legally Speaking, Detective Commander James Russell and Detective Steve Jensen share their experiences dealing with these crimes every day.

Utah Attorney General Sean D. Reyes Mourns the Passing of Retired Judge and Activist Raymond S. Uno

With very heavy hearts, we, in the Utah Attorney General’s Office, mourn the passing of Judge Raymond S. Uno, a historic and transformational leader in our legal community and a beloved member of our Utah AG family.  

Judge Uno was larger than life. His smile filled a room. While he was soft-spoken, caring and humble, he had gravitas born of forceful conviction and an indomitable will. His humor and humanity will be greatly missed.

Judge Uno was a scholar and soldier, an athlete and activist, a gentleman and jurist, and a champion of civil rights and civility. He was a pioneer who opened doors for so many of us. He was our hero.

From starting the Utah Minority Bar Association to his work with JACL, he mentored and supported countless local lawyers and leaders. I was a beneficiary my entire career of his kindness and steadiness. While his influence was felt most locally, it carried across America and beyond.

As the son of Japanese immigrants, Judge Uno endured painful years of internment during WW II with his family in a relocation camp, and then put aside that extreme indignity to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces with distinction.

Before becoming the first minority judge in Utah history, he served as a Deputy Salt Lake County Attorney, Assistant Utah Attorney General and practiced in a private law firm.  

Saysha and I absolutely loved the Judge and send our deepest and most heartfelt sympathies to his amazing family.

Utah Solicitor General Melissa Holyoak Confirmed to Fill Republican Slot at the Federal Trade Commission

SALT LAKE CITY – On Thursday evening, Utah Solicitor General Melissa Holyoak was confirmed by the U.S. Senate as one of two nominees to fill Republican slots at the Federal Trade Commission. 

Solicitor General Holyoak is a distinguished member of Attorney General Reyes’ senior staff, overseeing Utah’s constitutional and special litigation matters. She leads the office’s appellate, constitutional defense, and antitrust divisions. In addition, she has been an integral leader in many multi-state lawsuits in state and federal courts around the country.  SG Holyoak previously served as president and general counsel of Hamilton Lincoln Law Institute and was one of the successful petitioners in the 2019 Supreme Court Case Frank v. Gaos.

Solicitor General Holyoak reacted to her confirmation by stating the following: “I am honored to have been confirmed to serve on the Federal Trade Commission, and I am thankful to the U.S. Senators who placed their trust in me. Congratulations to my fellow nominees Andrew Ferguson and Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter. I look forward to protecting consumers and serving my country alongside my future colleagues.”

Utah Attorney General Sean D. Reyes stated, “I am thrilled for Melissa and her family. The state loses an incredible Solicitor General, but America gains a tremendous lawyer, leader and public servant. Her service will be historic for Utah and she will bring valuable experience and more balance to the FTC.”

Chief of Staff Ric Cantrell said of the confirmation “Melissa Holyoak is a force of nature. Most Utahns will never realize the battles she fought on their behalf – to protect families, guard the free market and defend individual liberty.  Her influence was profound and she led her teams with candlepower and charisma that is truly remarkable. We wish her the best at the FTC.”  

In the coming weeks, Deputy Solicitor General Christopher Bates will also be moving to an exceptional opportunity with a prominent Salt Lake firm, while Deputy Solicitor General Stanford Purser will serve as Acting Solicitor General.

The White House announced SG Holyoak’s nomination to serve as a Commissioner of the FTC in July 2023. She has served in the Utah AG’s Office since September 2020. 

Read the FTC press release here.

Attorney General Reyes Joins Bipartisan Coalition Calling On Meta To Protect Users’ Accounts From Scammers

SALT LAKE CITY – Attorney General Reyes joined a bipartisan coalition of 40 attorneys general in sending a letter to Meta Platforms, Inc. (Meta) addressing the recent rise of Facebook and Instagram platform account takeovers by scammers and fraudsters. Account takeovers are when bad actors break into a user’s account and change passwords, effectively hijacking the account and blocking out the rightful owner. Attorney General Reyes and the bipartisan coalition are calling on Meta to thoroughly review its data security practices to protect its users’ accounts from being unfairly locked out or taken over by scammers. 

Once scammers hijack a Facebook or Instagram user’s account and change the password, they can steal personal information, read private messages, pose as the user to scam contacts, and even post publicly as the rightful user. All these actions cause undue harm and stress to account owners and their connections. While account takeovers are not a new phenomenon, there has been a dramatic increase in these schemes over the past year. As users have struggled to receive help from Meta, they have turned to their attorneys general seeking assistance and support.

To address the account takeover crisis and provide better quality services to the millions of users who rely on Meta platforms daily, the letter from Attorney General Reyes and the bipartisan coalition outlines a series of common-sense steps Meta should implement. Increased staffing will be needed to respond to account takeover complaints, as well as a greater investment in account takeover mitigation tactics. The attorneys general also call on Meta to adopt new procedures for users to protect themselves from account takeovers including multi-step authentication measures. Additionally, Attorney General Reyes and the bipartisan coalition urge Meta to take this issue more seriously and take stronger enforcement actions against scammers.

Users who experience an account takeover from a scammer or bad actors are encouraged to raise this concern to Meta immediately. Users unable to contact Meta or have the issue resolved can refer to the Facebook page with information on how to address an account takeover situation.

In issuing today’s letter, Attorney General Reyes joined with the attorneys general of Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

AG Reyes Joins Arkansas Attorney General Griffin and 25 Other States on Letter Demanding Instagram Stop Monetizing Child Exploitation

SALT LAKE CITY, UT—Attorney General Reyes has joined Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin and a coalition of 25 other state attorneys general on a letter to Meta demanding that Instagram stop monetizing child exploitation content.

“New information has emerged about Instagram’s blatant disregard for child safety, even after Meta has claimed to have implemented safeguards to stop child sex abuse material or CSAM on its sites,” said Attorney General Reyes. “We can no longer trust that Meta is listening to its own internal watchdogs or following through on its touted safety systems to protect children from predators.”

According to The Wall Street Journal in an article on February 22, Meta’s own staff raised alarms after Instagram enabled those running ‘parent-managed minor accounts’ to profit by providing ‘pin-up style photos of children’ to male subscribers who were ‘often overt about sexual interest’ in children. Worse, Meta actively promoted child-modeling subscriptions to ‘likely pedophiles.’ On the same day, The New York Times similarly reported that men in online chatrooms frequently praised ‘the advent of Instagram as a golden age for child exploitation.’

“Over the past decade, Attorney General Reyes has led the fight against human trafficking and child exploitation. His passion has ignited government leaders across the globe to understand the many different faces of these horrific crimes,” said Missy Larsen, Utah’s Statewide Coordinator for Child and Family Safety. “The fact that 26 states are fed-up with Meta’s inability to prioritize children over profits offers hope to the millions of children and families in the world who have been, or are at risk of, being victimized.”

Arkansas Attorney General Griffin sent the letter to Meta. In addition to Attorney General Reyes, the attorneys general of the following states also signed on to the letter: Arkansas, Alabama, Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia and Wyoming.

Read the letter here.

Attorney General Reyes Joins Amicus Supporting Texas’ Law Prohibiting Experimental Pediatric Gender-Transition Procedures

Utah Attorney General Sean D. Reyes is joining a coalition of 23 other state attorneys general filing an amicus brief in the Supreme Court of Texas in support of the state’s law prohibiting pediatric gender-transition procedures.

States are responsible for protecting the health and safety of their children from dangerous and experimental medical procedures. Texas’ law is presumptively constitutional as it regulates gender-transition procedures for all minors, regardless of sex.

S.B. 14, like similar laws enacted in many states, prohibits healthcare providers from performing surgery on, and administering hormones to, minors for gender transition.

Texas, through its legislature, has concluded that it would await the results of gender experimentation being conducted elsewhere before allowing its vulnerable children to be used as guinea pigs.

Alabama AG Steve Marshall and Arkansas AG Tim Griffin are the attorneys leading the brief. They are joined by AG Reyes and the following states: Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia.

To read the brief, click here.