FTC Asks Online Advertisers to Weigh in on Dark Patterns, Calls for Comment on Its .Com Disclosures Guidance
The Federal Trade Commission has requested public input about potential updates to its "Dot.Com Disclosures." The guidance document was last updated nearly a decade ago and has not addressed much of the new technology that has emerged and the evolution in online advertising. As a result, the agency's call for comments will allow those interested to provide feedback and suggestions to modernize the guides. Comments are due by August 2, 2022.
Use of Private Radios by Industry Increases Risk of FCC Non-Compliance
On March 10, Atrium Hospitality LP entered into a consent decree with the Federal Communications Commission. The agreement included a burdensome compliance plan and a $35,000 penalty for the hotel and asset management company. Atrium is just the most recent organization whose primary area of work extends beyond telecommunications to be investigated and ultimately penalized by the FCC.
Washington State and New York Join the State Telemarketing Law Amendment Fray
As readers of this blog know, several states recently amended (or attempted to amend) their telemarketing laws, especially as they relate to regulating autodialers. While they don't affect autodialing, telemarketers should take notice of the amendments to Washington state's telemarketing statutes (available here), which go into effect June 9. And both houses of the New York General Assembly have passed a bill amending its Do Not Call Law (although it has not yet been signed by the governor).
Twitter Will Pay $150 Million to Settle Charges That It Misrepresented Its Privacy and Security Practices
Last month, the United States Department of Justice, acting on behalf of the Federal Trade Commission, took action against Twitter, Inc. for allegedly using private account security data to sell targeted advertisements without informing the platform's users. To settle the matter, Twitter agreed to a stipulated order requiring the social media giant to pay $150 million in civil penalties, which the court entered a day after the complaint was filed.