FTC news was light the post-Thanksgiving week, and most press releases provided updates to earlier-reported agency activity. For example, the agency issued refunds to businesses in relation to a 2022 complaint, and testified to Congress as an update to March 2023 testimony. These stories and more after the jump.
Continue Reading FTC Updates (November 27 – December 1, 2023)
As we approach the holiday season, the FTC reports the launch of the public comment portal for its proposed rule on junk fees, a request for information on cloud computing, and a public challenge seeking innovative ideas for addressing voice cloning. The Bureau of Consumer Protection announced that it issued warning letters to health influencers for failing to disclose material connections, and that it proposed a settlement order with a communications company for failing to protect sensitive consumer data. All this and more, after the jump.
Continue Reading FTC Updates (November 13 – November 17, 2023)
The FTC cracked down on bogus medical discount plans and a tech support scheme. It also participated in the G7 Competition Authorities and Policymakers’ Summit. These stories and more after the jump.
Continue Reading FTC Updates (November 6 – November 10, 2023)
As we enter November and turn our clocks back, the FTC has not slowed its enforcement efforts. The Bureau of Consumer Protection announced multiple settlements resulting in millions in consumer refunds with an apparent focus on the credit, loan, and debt collection industries. Further, the FTC released multiple annual reports including its Do Not Call Registry Data Book. This and more, after the jump.
Continue Reading FTC Updates (October 30 – November 3, 2023)
The FTC amended the Safeguards Rule to require non-banking institutions to report certain data breaches. Also, the FTC enforced actions against defendants who misleadingly marked up the cost of cars and who falsely claimed that its products could stop harmful bacteria and viruses. More on these updates, after the jump.
Continue Reading FTC Updates (October 23-27, 2023)
What if there was a way to easily see the raw materials and production process, environmental and social impact, and expected product performance of a consumer product by simply scanning a QR code? Would easy access to that information during the lifecycle of a consumer product, incentivize sustainable production and consumption, promote repair, refurbish, reuse and recycling, and reduce waste? This is the future contemplated by the European Commission’s Circular Economy Action Plan. A future that may be obtainable through the implementation of digital product passports.
Continue Reading Digital Product Passports
On October 13, 2023 he FDA announced that two of the requirements set forth in the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022 (MoCRA)— facility registration and product listing—will be included as part of the Structured Product Labeling (SPL) framework. SPL is a document formatting standard adopted by FDA for exchanging product-related information.
Continue Reading FDA Publishes SPL Guide for MoCRA Facility Registration and Product Listings
This week the FTC highlighted its report on the prevalence of fraudulent business practices directed at older adults. It also announced that the Agency is seeking public comment on the existing Alternative Fuels Rule. More on these actions, as well as an update on student debt related actions, after the jump.
Continue Reading FTC Blog Updates Oct 16-Oct 20
On Friday, CPSC Chairman Alexander Hoehn-Saric gave a keynote address to the International Symposium of the International Consumer Product Health and Safety Organization (ICPHSO) in Almhult, Sweden. Hoehn-Saric focused his remarks on his stated goal for the third year of his term as chairman of the agency—addressing recalled or otherwise violative products sold on or through online marketplaces. In Hoehn-Saric’s view, consumers expect to purchase safe products on online marketplaces, and they should not need to know or discern whether a product is purchased directly from an online retailer or from an entity that has been provided access to consumers through the online platform. He complemented collaborative improvements by Amazon, eBay and Target but issued a call to action including adoption of “safety by design“ and legislative and regulatory protections.
Continue Reading CPSC Chair Hoehn-Saric Focuses on Online Marketplaces at ICPHSO International Conference
This week, the FTC announced activity focused on junk fees, companies deceiving and misleading consumers in negative options, and consumer background reporting. These stories and more after the jump.
Continue Reading FTC Updates (October 09 – October 13, 2023)