What happened at the Boston Marathon last week was horrific. And even though unfathomable, there are some people that will try to profit from this tragedy. As the FTC warns, refrain from giving cash donations to unknown sources and consider these simple rules provided by the FTC when solicited in person, online or on the phone: Ask for… Continue Reading
Category Archives: FTC
Subscribe to FTC RSS FeedWhat’s On the FTC’s Radar? Chairwoman Ramirez Explains….
Posted in FTCThe FTC has limited resources. Knowing what it has focused on in the last year can give you a sense of the types of issues that might be more likely to trigger a FTC inquiry. As Chairwoman Ramirez recently explained, in 2012, the Agency brought actions in the following areas: Privacy, especially in the digital arena Data security… Continue Reading
Statement Or Stunt: FTC Sites Hacked
Posted in FTCIt’s been reported that several websites owned by the FTC were hacked last Thursday. Seven domains were alleged taken down, including, business.ftc.gov, consumer.gov, and consumer.ftc.gov. This is allegedly the second attack on the FTC within a month. The alleged motivation for the attacks was to protest the FTC’s reluctance to prevent a well known search engine from… Continue Reading
If You Are Marketing Continuity Plans, Let Consumers Know.
Posted in Advertising, FTCYesterday, the FTC reported that it had filed its 11th case involving the promotion of dietary supplements via fake news sites run by affiliate marketers. Sure, companies need to be concerned about how consumers are driven to their websites. However, it appears that the driving factor for many of the FTC’s complaints involving fake news… Continue Reading
Twenty Years Of Proposed Audits? Learn From Facebook’S Bout With The FTC….
Posted in FTCThe Wall Street Journal reported today that Facebook is close to reaching a settlement with the FTC over its concerns about unilateral, retroactive changes to Facebook’s privacy policies. Although a final settlement has not been reached, it’s been reported that part of the settlement will require Facebook to submit to 20 years of privacy audits,… Continue Reading
The New ACO Guidelines Are Here! The New ACO Guidelines Are Here!
Posted in FTCYesterday, the FTC and DOJ announced the release of their Joint Policy Statement regarding the enforcement of U.S. antitrust laws with respect to Accountable Care Organizations (“ACOs”). This is reminiscent of when the Agencies issued their Joint Healthcare Guidelines in 1994, and capitation, HMOs, PPOs and PHOs were the topics of issue. It should be interesting to see… Continue Reading
FTC Tip Of The Day: Don’t Bury Damaging Documents
Posted in FTCReceiving an inquiry from a government agency, like the FTC, is different than being involved in civil litigation. Your client is dealing with the government, which does not have the same motivation or pressure points to settle as a private litigant. Having worked at the FTC, it’s my impression that most of the lawyers working… Continue Reading
Let’s Go To The Videotape: Seven FTC Reminders Re: Complying With The Can-Spam Act
Posted in Advertising, FTC, Web/TechThe FTC has put out a short video with 7 simple things to remember about complying with the CAN-SPAM Act. Although very basic, it presents a short checklist to review if your company uses E-mail to market your products or services.
FTC Investigation Suspended But No “Stamp Of Approval”
Posted in FTCIt’s been reported that the FTC has “dropped” its investigation of a start-up that searches the Internet for employees’ and job applicants’ past bad acts. While the FTC may have suspended its investigation relating to potential Fair Credit Reporting Act violations, it never gives a “stamp of approval” as is being reported. Read the alleged copy… Continue Reading