Internet Law
5 Star Intel: How FTC and State AGs are Investigating Fake Google and Yelp Reviews
By Richard B. Newman |
The Federal Trade Commission and State Attorneys General are aggressively investigating the use of fake or false consumer reviews and testimonials – including AI-generated reviews – on consumer review platforms like Google and Yelp. At both a federal and state level, regulatory agencies are seeking harsh monetary civil penalties and damages against violators of applicable…
FTC Authority to Seek Broad Injunctive Relief for Deceptive Fee Disclosures Affirmed by Federal Court
By Richard B. Newman |
In January 2026, an U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit unanimously upheld a federal district court’s summary judgment ruling in favor of the Federal Trade Commission relating to advertising disclosure practices. In doing so, the court cited “overwhelming” evidence of unfair and deceptive acts and practices. By way of background, in 2019 FTC…
FTC “Means and Instrumentalities” Liability Takes a Hit
By Richard B. Newman |
The Federal Trade Commission utilizes a number of remedial theories when attempting to hold a bad actor liable for the actions of a third party. One such theory is known as “means and instrumentalities” liability, where a bad actor can potentially be liable if it provides others with the “means and instrumentalities” for engaging in…
NYC Mayor Mamdani Signs Executive Orders to Stop Junk Fees and Subscription Tricks
By Richard B. Newman |
On January 5, 2025, NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, joined by Attorney General Letitia James, City Council Member Julie Menin, and DCWP Commissioner Sam Levine, announced that it has signed two executive orders: to combat businesses’ deceptive use of junk fees and crackdown on subscription tricks and traps that that drain money from New Yorkers and make…
What Marketers Need to Know to Comply with FTC Consumer Review Rule Prohibition on Insider Consumer Reviews
By Richard B. Newman |
As previously covered here and here, the Federal Trade Commission has recently warned businesses to comply with the FTC Consumer Review Rule. On December 22, 2025, the FTC announced that it sent warning letters to alert a number of companies of potential violations of the Rule on the Use of Consumer Reviews and Testimonials (the…
FTC Warns Businesses to Comply with the FTC Consumer Review Rule
By Richard B. Newman |
Consumers often rely on reviews to help them choose between everything from home repair companies to apartments to lawyers. When those reviews reflect honest feedback from real people who have actually used a product or service, the feedback can be invaluable. Reviews can also encourage people to take a chance on an unknown company or…