FTC

The Federal Trade Commission recently announced that it plans to hold a public workshop in August 2019 that will examine consumer protection issues related to video game “loot boxes.” What are Loot Boxes Loot boxes are in-game rewards players can purchase while playing a video game. They contain a random assortment of virtual items to…

As federal lawmakers continue to grapple with what a federal privacy bill might look like, new legislation has been introduced that targets specific data privacy issues. Digital Marketing Legislation Federal legislators have proposed Senate Bill 748, the Digital Marketing Bill of Rights for Minors. If passed, the online privacy legislation would amend the Children’s Online…

Student Loan Debt Relief Operators Banned by FTC According to the Federal Trade Commission, two alleged Florida-based student loan debt relief schemes have been banned from the debt relief business as part of settlements with the FTC.  The cases involves allegations by the FTC that defendants illegal upfront fees and falsely promised to help some consumers enroll in government…

The New York Law Journal quoted Richard B. Newman in an article titled “Uptick in ‘Made in USA’ Actions and Remedial Plans.”  The article, published November 19, 2018, discusses the recent proliferation of U.S. origin investigations and enforcement actions by the Federal Trade Commission.  According to the article, manufacturers of products labeled or advertised with U.S. origin claims…

What is the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) Investigative Authority? The FTC’s enforcement authority is related to its power to prosecute any inquiry necessary to its duties in any part of the United States, pursuant to FTC Act Sec. 3. With some exceptions – pursuant to FTC Act Sec. 6(a), the FTC may investigate the organization,…

The U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, Insurance and Data Security will host a hearing titled “Oversight of the Federal Trade Commission” on November 27, 2018. The subcommittee will examine whether the FTC should have increased authority in privacy and data security matters as well as the agency’s priorities in promoting competition and…