We have previously posted about some of the often overlooked requirements of the FTC Endorsement Guidelines. Recent actions show that the FTC and other regulatory authorities are getting serious about enforcement. In March 2011, a company selling a popular series of guitar-lesson DVDs agreed to $250,000 to settle Federal Trade…
Congressman Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a senior member and former chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee’s Communications, Technology and the Internet Subcommittee, sent a letter dated February 8, 2011 to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requesting more information about possible consumer protection issues related to “in-app” purchases, particularly relating to kids. The…
Originally posted on the Gamification Blog. Many people are aware that in 2009, the FTC implemented guidelines that addressed the use of endorsements and testimonials by bloggers. The main stream press highlighted just the part of these guidelines that require disclosure by bloggers of compensation received for recommending a product…
The Federal Trade Commission has extended until July 12, 2010, the deadline for public comments on its review of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) Rule. The request for comments was originally published in the Federal Register on April 5, 2010. As stated on the FTC website: The primary…
The FTC recently posted a press release (FTC Press Release) on their settlement with Twitter, Inc. over charges that the company failed to protect users’ private information. The charges against Twitter stem from several high-profile incidences where hackers were able to gain administrative control of Twitter to: view nonpublic user…
This Federal Trade Commission has launched a campaign to educate tweens (kids ages 8 to 12) about advertising so they can become more discerning consumers of information. Called Admongo, the goal of the campaign is to boost advertising literacy by: Raising awareness of advertising and marketing messages Teaching critical thinking…
The Federal Trade Commission released a study raising issues regarding adult content in virtual worlds that virtual world providers should consider when evaluating their privacy, content storage, access, and age verification policies. The FTC also highlights “best practices” for virtual world providers dealing with these important issues. The full report…