On August 14, 2024, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a final rule that prohibits publishing or trading in fake or misleading consumer reviews and testimonials, or engaging in other related deceptive promotional tactics. Notably, under the FTC’s new rule, the commission will be authorized to seek civil penalties against violators.Continue Reading FTC Issues Final Rule Banning Fake and Misleading Consumer Reviews and Testimonials
FTC Proposes Significant Changes to COPPA Rule
On December 20, 2023, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced proposed changes to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule (COPPA Rule) that would place significant new restrictions on companies that collect personal information from children under 13.Continue Reading FTC Proposes Significant Changes to COPPA Rule
What’s in a Review? The FTC’s Updated Endorsement Guides and Proposed New Rule on Consumer Reviews
In late June 2023, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced revised Endorsement Guides to strengthen and clarify guidance for advertisers and address emerging market trends concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. The FTC also announced a proposed rule banning fake reviews and testimonials.Continue Reading What’s in a Review? The FTC’s Updated Endorsement Guides and Proposed New Rule on Consumer Reviews
FTC Adopts New Policy Statement Warning About Misuses of Biometric Information
On May 18, 2023, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) unanimously voted during its open meeting to adopt a new policy statement on biometric information and Section 5 of the FTC Act. In the statement, the
Continue Reading FTC Adopts New Policy Statement Warning About Misuses of Biometric InformationFTC Holds Event on Digital Marketing and Blurred Advertising’s Impact on Children
On October 19, 2022, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a virtual event to explore the concept of “blurred” advertising in digital media and its impact on children. As the FTC is considering updates to
Continue Reading FTC Holds Event on Digital Marketing and Blurred Advertising’s Impact on ChildrenFTC Votes Unanimously to Release New COPPA Policy Statement and Proposed Amendments to the Endorsement Guides
On May 19, 2022, at an open commission meeting, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) voted unanimously to: 1) release a new policy statement on the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) indicating that the FTC will prioritize enforcement of COPPA’s substantive provisions and closely scrutinize EdTech providers; and 2) publish a request for public comment on proposed amendments to the Endorsement Guides (the guides) that are intended to bring them in line with current advertising practices. This was the first open commission meeting for Commissioner Alvaro Bedoya, whose confirmation on May 11 broke the FTC’s months-long 2-2 split along party lines.
Continue Reading FTC Votes Unanimously to Release New COPPA Policy Statement and Proposed Amendments to the Endorsement Guides
WSGR Event Recap: The State of Play at the FTC on Privacy
On May 1, 2019, WSGR held an event in which regulators and experts discussed privacy developments in the U.S. and Europe. The first session featured a fireside chat with the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC’s) Bureau of Consumer Protection Director, Andrew Smith, on “The State of Play at the FTC on Privacy.” In case you missed it, here are the key takeaways from the discussion:
- More specificity in data security orders. Director Smith noted that we should expect to see more specificity in data security orders moving forward, particularly after the Eleventh Circuit’s decision in LabMD.1 He mentioned that the FTC’s approach to post-LabMD orders is still evolving, but the next data security order entered will likely reflect the FTC’s new approach.
Continue Reading WSGR Event Recap: The State of Play at the FTC on Privacy