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Internet Disclosures Can Cost Your Company

By Tony Galban
March 29, 2006

Answer: The Internet and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX). Question: What two powerful forces are generating a whole new world of liability for companies and their directors and officers?

It is unlikely that this answer-and-question combo will ever appear on the popular TV quiz show Jeopardy. But the reality is that as the Internet opens pathways to doing business that could scarcely be imagined a decade ago, it also presents increasing dangers to public companies in the form of new liability risks. The instantaneous nature of the Internet can be both boon and bane to companies seeking to harness it to provide information to, and create goodwill with, shareholders. Not only can information be disseminated over the Net in a fraction of a second for worldwide viewing, but it has become a predominant source of investment news. Financial updates, product developments, information tidbits, even rumors ' all are now posted 24/7 on the Web for consumption by anyone, including investors who are poised to take advantage of the latest intelligence.

It doesn't take much imagination to see how this modern communications wonder spins a web of potential liability for companies, especially in light of SOX. Since information is continuously available for as long as it remains posted on the Internet, the danger that investors will misinterpret outdated information as being current is constant. And since anyone can post corporate information, the truthfulness of that information is hardly guaranteed. Furthermore, like moths to a flame, lawmakers are now directing their attention to the Internet. All of these things, combined with the rapid evolution of securities laws, means companies must work extra hard to keep up and to comply. Those companies that don't keep up may be 'rewarded' with a class-action lawsuit alleging misrepresentation, delayed or misleading disclosures, or other corporate wrongdoings.

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