In its continued concentration on the collection and use of consumers’ precise geolocation, on January 16, 2024, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) settled with General Motors (GM) over allegations that it collected, used, and sold drivers’ precise geolocation and driving behavior data from millions of vehicles—data that can be used to set insurance rates—without adequately
Federal Trade Commission
FTC Takes Action Against GoDaddy for Alleged Lax Data Security
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a proposed settlement order against GoDaddy alleging that it “has failed to implement reasonable and appropriate security measures to protect and monitor its website-hosting environments for security threats, and misled customers about the extent of its data security protections on its website hosting services.”
The proposed settlement order requires…
FTC Announces Updates to COPPA Rule
On January 16, 2025, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a press release stating, “The updated [Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)] rule strengthens key protections for kids’ privacy online. By requiring parents to opt [into] targeted advertising practices, this final rule prohibits platforms and service providers from sharing and monetizing children’s data without active…
Privacy Tip #425 – Late Shoppers: Beware of Scammers Sending You to Fake Websites
Scammers prey on us at our most vulnerable. Although some of us are early holiday shoppers, others wait until the last minute. Scammers know this and are lurking to find late shoppers scrambling for gifts. Many late shoppers feel a bit desperate, so they are at risk of falling for scams that divert them to…
Privacy Tip #420 – Is that Consumer Review Real or AI Generated?
I admit that when I am looking online for restaurants, consumer products, and places to stay, I generally look at reviews and they influence my decision. However, there have been numerous reports that reviews are often fake and unreliable. That has become so pervasive that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a final rule in…
Privacy Tip #417 – Scammers Using Hurricane Relief Aid to Commit Fraud
Unfortunately, when natural disasters hit innocent victims and good-natured people want to help those in need, scammers swoop in to manipulate the bleak situation to commit fraud or price gouging.
Following Hurricanes Helene and Milton , the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Department of Justice, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) issued a warning…
Marriott and Starwood Settle on Consent Agreement with FTC for Data Breaches
This week, Marriott International, Inc. and its subsidiary Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide LLC (collectively, Marriott) agreed to settle on the terms of a settlement order with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for its alleged failures to implement reasonable security measures which in turn led to three data breaches between 2014 and 2020, affecting over…
Privacy Tip #404 – July is Military Consumer Month Helpful Tips for Those in Service + Thank You
July is Military Consumer Month. On the eve of the Fourth of July, we celebrate democracy and the past service of our veterans and those presently in service for protecting us and our democracy. Thank you so very much.
It is therefore fitting for July to be deemed Military Consumer Month. Special attention should be…
Federal Trade Commission Continues to Target Healthcare Companies for Unauthorized Data Disclosures
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has assumed the authority to enforce unauthorized data disclosures under the Federal Trade Commission Act (FTC Act). During the past three weeks, the FTC has used this authority to go after healthcare companies that disclose their customers’ personal data without permission.
On April 11, the FTC sued Monument, an online…
What’s in the Proposed American Privacy Rights Act?
Congress is once again entertaining federal privacy legislation. The American Privacy Rights Act (APRA) was introduced by Senate Commerce Committee Chair Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and House Energy and Commerce Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA).
Unlike current laws, the APRA would apply to both commercial enterprises and nonprofit organizations, as well as common carriers regulated by…