March 24, 2022

Advertising Law News and Analysis

2 min

New York Attorney General Secures $2.6 Million from Fareportal for Deceptive Marketing Tactics

Last week, New York Attorney General Letitia James announced that online travel agency Fareportal Inc., which operates several travel-related websites and mobile platforms, including CheapOair.com and OneTravel.com, will pay $2.6 million to New York for misleading consumers with deceptive marketing tactics.

CFPB Officially Adds UDAAP to Its Anti-Discrimination Tool Kit

The CFPB intends to use its authority under the Consumer Financial Protection Act to identify, prohibit, and prosecute discrimination as a UDAAP—an "unfair" act or practice in any financial services category, whether it be banking (including deposits), servicing, collections, credit reporting, payments, or money transfers and remittances. The CFPB will focus on financial institutions' decision-making in advertising, pricing, and other areas to ensure that companies are appropriately testing for and eliminating illegal discrimination.

Burning Down the House: FTC Accuses HomeAdvisor, Inc. of Deception in Selling Leads for Home Improvement Projects

On Friday, March 11, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed an administrative complaint against HomeAdvisor, Inc., charging it with using deceptive and misleading tactics to sell leads for home improvement projects to small businesses, including small "gig-economy" workers. The action underscores the current administration's effort to protect workers, especially those engaged in the gig economy through large platforms.

Are You Ready for the California Privacy Rights Act?

California's Privacy Rights Act (CPRA), effective January 1, 2023, will significantly amend the state's existing Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). The CPRA maintains the consumer rights created by the CCPA and adds more. Our attorneys outline the key steps in ensuring both CCPA and CPRA compliance in the 10th edition of Venable's Advertising Law Tool Kit.