FTC International Monthly

Current Issue: December 2020

Consumer Protection and Privacy

  • FTC Seeks Data from Nine Social Media and Video Streaming Services About How They Collect, Use, and Present Information
  • As Scammers Leverage Pandemic Fears, FTC and Law Enforcement Partners Crack Down on Deceptive Income Schemes Nationwide
  • FTC Alleges Mobile Banking App Misled Users About Access to Their Funds, Failed To Deliver on Promised High Interest Rates
  • Coronavirus Pandemic: FTC Sends More Warning Letters on Unsubstantiated COVID-19 Health Claims, Educates Consumers on Vaccine Scams

Competition

  • FTC Sues Facebook for Illegal Monopolization
  • FTC Sues To Block CoStar Group, Inc.’s Proposed Acquisition of Chief Competitor RentPath Holdings, Inc.
  • FTC Challenges Two Hospital Acquisitions

In Other News

  • FTC Issues Agency Financial Report for Fiscal Year 2020
  • FTC Sends 28 Warning Letters Regarding Agency’s Eyeglass Rule
  • FTC Chairman Addresses Firms’ Acquisitions of Emerging Competitive Threats.
  • FTC Staff Issues Annual Report on Branded Drug Firms' Patent Settlements with Generic Competitors
  • FTC Posts Recent Submissions to the OECD Competition Committee

Previous Issue: November 2020

Consumer Protection and Privacy

  • FTC Requires Zoom To Enhance Its Security Practices as Part of Settlement
  • FTC Signs Updated Memorandum of Understanding with Nigerian Consumer Protection and Criminal Enforcement Authorities
  • FTC Data Shows Big Jump in Consumer Reports about Scams Originating on Social Media
  • Court Issues Order Halting Operators of Fake Websites Claiming to Sell Clorox and Lysol Products

Competition

  • FTC Requires Medical Device Companies To Divest Assets as Condition of Merger
  • FTC Imposes Conditions on Pharmaceuticals Merger

In Other News

  • U.S. SAFE WEB Act Reauthorized
  • FTC Announces New Fraud Reporting Platform for Consumers: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
  • Colombia’s Consumer Protection Agency Joins econsumer.gov.
  • FTC Releases FY 2020 National Do Not Call Registry Data Book
  • FTC Issues Annual Report to Congress on Protecting Older Adults
  • FTC To Hold Final Virtual Q&A Sessions on Proposed Amendments to Premerger Notification Rules
  • Bureau of Competition Posts Blog on Meaning of “All Documents” in Second Requests and Compulsory Process
  • Online Viewing and Materials Available for Recent FTC Events

Archives

Issue Highlights
2020
October
  • International Competition Network Addresses Enforcement and Policy Challenges of the Digital Economy at United States-Hosted 19th Annual Conference
  • FTC Expands Merger Retrospective Program
  • Second Round of Refunds, Totaling $147 Million, Sent to Consumers As a Result of Multi-Agency Case Against Western Union
  • Brazil’s SENACON Joins econsumer.gov
September
  • International Competition Network Addresses Enforcement and Policy Challenges of the Digital Economy at United States-Hosted 19th Annual Conference
  • U.S. Agencies Sign Antitrust Cooperation Framework with Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and United Kingdom
  • Court Orders $120 Million Judgment in Sanctuary Belize, the Largest Land Fraud Case in FTC History
  • FTC Sends Letters Warning 20 More Marketers To Stop Making Unsupported COVID-19 Treatment Claims
August
  • Save the Date - September 14-17 - for This Year's ICN Annual Conference, Co-hosted by the FTC and Department of Justice
  • FTC Reports to Court That Volkswagen Returned More Than $9.5 Billion to Car Buyers Deceived by “Clean Diesel” Ad Campaign
  • FTC and econsumer.gov Members Launch an Updated Website
  • FTC Commissioners Testify at Senate Committee Oversight Hearing
  • FTC Testifies Before the House of Representatives Subcommittee on Efforts to Combat COVID-19 Scams
July
  • FTC and DOJ Issue Antitrust Guidelines for Evaluating Vertical Mergers
  • FTC Settles Two Privacy Shield Cases
  • FTC Issues Staff Report on Made in USA Workshop, Seeks Comment on Proposed Labeling Rule
  • FTC and DOJ Release FY 2019 Hart-Scott-Rodino Premerger Notification Report
June
  • FTC Submits Comments on Telehealth During Pandemic
  • FTC Issues More Warnings to Businesses About COVID-19 Claims
  • Swiss Digital Game Developer Settles FTC Allegations That It Falsely Claimed It Was a Member of COPPA Safe Harbor Program
  • Developer of Apps Popular with Children Agrees To Settle FTC Allegations It Illegally Collected Kids’ Data Without Parental Consent
  • FTC Releases Funeral Home Compliance Results, Offers New Business Guidance on Funeral Rule Requirements
May
  • FTC Imposes Conditions on Össur Hf’s Acquisition of College Park Industries, Inc.
  • Court Approves $5 Billion Facebook Settlement
  • FTC Intensifies Enforcement Against Unsupported COVID-19 Health Claims
  • FTC Launches Two New Interactive Dashboards Detailing Consumer Reports About International Fraud
  • FTC Seeks Comment as Part of Review of Health Breach Notification Rule
April
  • FTC and DOJ Announce Expedited Antitrust Procedure and Guidance for Coronavirus Public Health Efforts
  • International Competition Network Annual Conference Rescheduled for September
  • FTC Data Shows Jump in Coronavirus-Related Consumer Complaints
  • FTC Warns VoIP Service Providers Against Helping Telemarketers Make Illegal Coronavirus-Related Robocalls; Joins with Federal Communications Commission in Additional Warning Letters to Gateway Providers
  • Medical Diagnostic Device Maker Settles Allegations That It Misled Consumers About Its Participation in the EU-U.S. Privacy Shield
March
  • FTC Challenges Proposed Merger of Two Hospital Systems
  • FTC, FDA Send Warning Letters to Seven Companies About Unsupported Claims That Products Can Treat or Prevent Coronavirus
  • FTC 2019 Privacy and Data Security Update Highlights Record Fines and International Cooperation
  • First Round of Refunds Totaling $153 Million Sent to Consumers As a Result of Multi-Agency Case Against Western Union
  • New FTC Data Show Consumers Reported Losing More Than $200 Million to Romance Scams in 2019
February
  • FTC To Examine Past Acquisitions by Large Technology Firms
  • FTC Challenges Anticompetitive Scheme To Maintain a $4,000 Percent List-Price Increase for Life-Saving Drug Daraprim
  • Razor Manufacturer Abandons Proposed Acquisition of Disruptive Rival After FTC Sues To Block Merger
  • Background Check Services Provider Agrees To Settle FTC Allegations That It Falsely Claimed Participation in the EU-U.S. Privacy Shield
January
  • FTC and DOJ Issue Draft Vertical Merger Guidelines for Public Comment
  • FTC Alleges Fuel Card Marketer FleetCor Charged Hundreds of Millions in Hidden Fees
  • Defendants Who Helped Blast Consumers with Millions of Cruise Line Robocalls Settle FTC Complaint
  • FTC Calls for Presentations for Privacy Con 2020
  • FTC Bureau of Consumer Protection Publishes Blog Post on Notable Cases and Initiatives from the Past Year
2019
December
  • For-Profit University To Pay Record $191 Million To Resolve FTC Charges That It Deceived Prospective Students
  • FTC Determines That Cambridge Analytica Deceived Consumers About the Collection of Facebook Data, Compliance with EU-U.S. Privacy Shield
  • Five Companies Settle FTC Allegations That They Falsely Claimed Participation in the EU-U.S. Privacy Shield
  • FTC Testifies Before House Judiciary Subcommittee About Competition Enforcement and Policy, Including in Technology Markets
  • FTC Consumer Blog: What To Ask Before Buying Internet-Connected Toys for the Holidays
  • Bureau of Competition Publishes Blog Post Clarifying That in Merger Analysis a Firm’s Closest Competitor Is Not Its Only Competitor
2019
November
  • Consummated Merger of Microprocessor Prosthetic Knee Companies To Be Unwound
  • Agency Heads from the United States, Canada, and Mexico Discuss Antitrust Policy and Enforcement
  • FTC and DOJ Approve Procedural Amendments to HSR Rules for Foreign Entities
  • FTC Sues Multi-Level Marketer for Operating as an Illegal Pyramid Scheme and Falsely Promoting Brain Health Supplements
  • AT&T To Pay $60 Million To Resolve FTC Allegations It Misled Consumers with ‘Unlimited Data’ Promises
  • FTC Charges Data Storage Services Company with Falsely Claiming Participation in the EU-U.S. Privacy Shield
  • FTC Is Hosting Nine International Fellows and Interns and Accepting Nominations for February 2020 Class
  • FTC Releases Advertising Disclosures Guidance for Online Influencers
  • FTC Joins Charity Regulators Around the Nation, World To Raise Awareness of Charity Fraud
October
  • FTC Sues Owner of Online Dating Service Match.com for Using Fake Love Interest Ads to Trick Consumers into Paying for a Subscription
  • Multi-Level Marketer AdvoCare Will Pay $150 Million to Settle FTC Charges It Operated an Illegal Pyramid Scheme
  • FTC Acts Against Company Using Celebrity Endorsements, Bogus Earnings Claims to Sell Real Estate Seminars
  • Econsumer.gov Launches Social Media Campaign on Reporting International Scams
  • Belizean Bank to Pay $23 Million to Settle FTC Charges It Provided Substantial Assistance to the Sanctuary Belize Real Estate Scam
  • NEXUS Gas Transmission Eliminates Non-Compete as Condition of Pipeline Acquisition
  • FTC to Study E-Cigarette Manufacturers’ Sales, Advertising, and Promotional Methods
August/September
  • FTC Chairman Announces Output from Hearings and Highlights Recommendations for SAFE WEB Act Renewal and Enhanced Cooperation Tools from International Hearing
  • Google and YouTube Will Implement Compliance System and Pay Record $170 Million for Alleged Violations of Children’s Privacy Law
  • Five Companies Settle FTC Allegations That They Falsely Claimed Participation in the EU-U.S. Privacy Shield
  • FTC Challenges Proposed Merger of Hydrogen Peroxide Producers
  • FTC Requires Divestitures and Imposes Conditions on Boston Scientific Corp.’s Acquisition of BTG plc
  • FTC Seeks Comments on Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act Rule
  • FTC to Hold Workshop on Made in USA Advertising and Marketing Claims
July
  • FTC Imposes Historic $5 Billion Penalty and Sweeping New Privacy Restrictions on Facebook; Also Sues Cambridge Analytica, Settles with Former CEO and App Developer
  • Equifax to Pay $575 Million as Part of Settlement with FTC, CFPB, and States Related to 2017 Data Breach
  • FTC Takes Action Against Companies Falsely Claiming to Participate in Cross-Border Data Privacy Arrangements
  • G7 Competition Authorities Adopt Common Understanding on Competition and the Digital Economy
  • El Salvador’s Defensoría del Consumidor Joins econsumer.gov
June
  • Qualcomm’s Licensing Practices Violate Antitrust Laws
  • FTC Staff Report on Branded Drug Firms’ Patent Settlements with Generic Competitors Shows Decrease in Reverse Payments
  • Canon and Toshiba Pay $5 Million for Violating Pre-Merger Notification Waiting Period
  • FTC Adds Latvian Payment Processor and Its CEO to “Free Trial” Litigation
May
  • International Competition Network Adopts Framework for Competition Agency Procedures; U.S. Agencies to Host 2020 Annual Conference
  • FTC Charges Surescripts with Illegal Monopolization of E-Prescription Markets
  • FTC and DOJ Meet with Officials from Japan and South Korea
  • Agencies from Nearly 20 countries Participate in 10th Annual African Consumer Protection Dialogue Conference
  • FTC Announces First Actions Exclusively Enforcing the Consumer Review Fairness Act
  • FTC to Host Meeting on Indian Call Center Fraud
  • Econsumer.gov Releases Top International Fraud Report Data for 2018
  • FTC Submits Comment on FDA Guidance Regarding Nonproprietary Naming of Biological Products
April
  • FTC Holds Hearings on the Agency’s International Programs
  • FTC Chairman Releases 2018 Annual Highlights
  • FTC Signs Consumer Protection Memorandum of Understanding with United Kingdom’s Competition and Markets Authority
  • FTC Releases 2018 Privacy and Data Security Update
  • FTC Sends Warning Letters to Companies Regarding Diamond Ad Disclosures
  • FTC Concludes that Impax Entered into Illegal Pay-for-Delay Agreement
March
  • FTC to Hold Hearings on the Agency’s Role in a Changing World
  • FTC Launches Technology Task Force
  • FTC Enters Global Settlement to Resolve Reverse-Payment Charges Against Teva
  • FTC Issues Modified Final Order Imposing Conditions on Merger of International Industrial Gas Suppliers Praxair, Inc. and Linde AG
  • Record Civil Penalty Imposed Against Operator of China-Based Video Social Networking App to Settle FTC Allegations That it Violated Children’s Privacy Law
  • FTC Brings First Case Challenging Fake Paid Reviews on an Independent Retail Website, Alleges Weight Loss Supplement Claims Were Deceptive
January/February
  • FTC Announces Hearings on International Engagement To Be Held in March
  • FTC Enforcement Actions Yield More than $2.3 Billion in Refunds to Consumers between July 1, 2017 and June 30, 2018
  • FTC Obtains Order Barring U.S. and Canadian Scammers from Marketing Internet-related Services and Misrepresenting Their Relationship with Consumers
  • FTC and FDA Send Warning Letters to Companies Selling Dietary Supplements Claiming to Treat Alzheimer’s and Other Diseases
  • New FTC Data Spotlight Details Big Jump in Losses, Complaints about Romance Scams
2018
December
  • FTC Hearings Turn to Issues of Common Ownership, Data Security, and Consumer Privacy
  • Court Halts International Internet Marketing Operation
  • FTC International Fellows Program Is Now Accepting Nominations for February and September 2019 Classes
  • Latest Consumer Protection Data Spotlight Finds Seniors Sending Thousands in Cash to Scammers Claiming to be their Grandchildren
November
  • FTC Hearings on Competition and Consumer Protection in the 21st Century Examine Emerging Issues Stemming from Technology and Innovation
  • MoneyGram Agrees to Pay $125 Million to Settle Allegations that the Company Violated Earlier Agreements
  • At FTC’s Request, Court Halts Massive “Sanctuary Belize” Real Estate Investment Scam
  • American Immigration Center Settles with FTC on Government Imposter Allegations
  • International Industrial Gas Suppliers Divest Assets in Nine Industrial Gas Markets as a Condition of Merger
  • FTC Chairman Joseph J. Simons Meets with Counterparts from the U.S., Canada, and Mexico to Discuss Antitrust Enforcement
  • FTC and International Partners Hold First Annual International Charity Fraud Awareness Week
  • FTC is Making Consumer Complaint Data More Accessible
  • Econsumer.gov Consumer Education Video is Now Available in Seven Languages
October
  • FTC Team Receives Prestigious Public Service Award for Negotiating Historic Half-Billion Dollar Western Union Settlement to Redress Fraud-Induced Money Transfers
  • In Memoriam: Robert Pitofsky
  • FTC Reaches Settlements with Four Companies That Falsely Claimed Participation in the EU-U.S. Privacy Shield
  • FTC and DOJ Return a Record $505 Million in Monetary Redress to Consumers Harmed by Massive Payday Lending Scheme
  • Christine S. Wilson Sworn in as FTC Commissioner
  • Econsumer.gov Releases Top Complaint Categories for April to June
September
  • First FTC Hearing on Competition and Consumer Protection in the 21st Century Held Today with Additional Hearings Scheduled
  • Federal Judge Grants Preliminary Injunction in Tronox/Cristal Merger
  • Hockey Puck Seller, Companies Selling Recreational and Outdoor Equipment Agree To Stop Making False ‘Made in USA’ Claims
  • FTC Welcomes New Foreign Fellows and Is Now Accepting Nominations for February 2019 Class
  • Econsumer.gov Consumer Education Video Is Now Available in Six Languages
August
  • Wilhelmsen Maritime Services Abandons Acquisition of Drew Marine Group
  • Grifols to Divest Assets as Condition of Acquiring Biotest US Corp
  • Search Cross-Border Complaint Trends in Your Country
  • FTC Testifies Before Two House Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittees About the Agency’s Work to Combat Payment Processors Who Facilitate Fraud
July
  • FTC Announces Hearings on Competition and Consumer Protection in the 21st Century and Invites First Round of Comments by August 20
  • FTC, BBB, and Law Enforcement Partners Announce Results of Small Business Scam Law Enforcement and Education Initiative
  • California Company Settles FTC Charges Related to Privacy Shield Participation
  • FTC Hosts Semi-Annual Forum for Asia Pacific Privacy Authorities
  • Report International Scams to econsumer.gov Using Your Mobile Device
  • Court Rules that AbbVie Sham Litigation is Anticompetitive Monopolization and Orders $448 Million in Relief
  • FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection Staff Submits Comment on Internet of Things and Consumer Product Hazards
June
  • FTC Imposes Conditions on Acquisition of Solid Rocket Motor Supplier
  • Administrative Law Judge Dismisses Complaint Against Generic Pharmaceutical Company
  • FTC Action Halts Massive International Internet Business Coaching Scheme
  • FTC Engages Public and Private Partners to Combat Indian Call Center Fraud
  • Econsumer.gov Releases Top Complaint Categories for January to March
May
  • FTC, FDA Take Action Against Companies Marketing E-liquids Resembling Children’s Juice Boxes, Candies, and Cookies
  • Mobile Phone Maker BLU Reaches Settlement with FTC over Deceptive Privacy and Data Security Claims
  • FTC Warns China-based and Sweden-based Companies that Online Services Might Violate COPPA
  • FTC Holds Workshop with ASEAN Consumer Protection Partners
  • Generic Drug Marketers Divest Rights to 10 Generic Medications as Condition of Merger
  • Scammers Impersonate Chinese Consulates
  • FTC and econsumer.gov Members Launch econsumer.gov Consumer Education Video in French, Korean, and Turkish (Subtitled)
April
  • FTC Acting Chairman Releases 2017 Annual Highlights
  • International Competition Network Adopts Guiding Principles for Procedural Fairness and New Recommendations for Merger Review
  • CDK Global Abandons Proposed Acquisition of Auto/Mate Following FTC Challenge
  • Uber Agrees to Expanded Settlement with FTC Related to Privacy, Security Claims
  • Acting Director of FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection Issues Statement Regarding Reported Concerns About Facebook Privacy Practices
  • FTC Joins More Than 20 Countries at African Consumer Protection Dialogue Conference
  • FTC Shares Its Experience with Privacy and Data Security Experts in India
  • FTC Holds International Enforcers Roundtable
March
  • FTC Releases Annual Summary of Complaints Reported by Consumers
  • FTC to Provide Certified econsumer.gov Members Access to More Cross-Border Complaint Data
  • PayPal Settles FTC Charges that Venmo Failed to Disclose Information to Consumers on the Ability to Transfer Funds and on Privacy Settings; Violated Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act
  • FTC Challenges Schemes That Target or Affect Senior Citizens in the U.S. and Abroad
  • FTC Closes Essilor/Luxottica Merger Investigation
  • FTC Challenges Proposed Merger of World’s Largest Suppliers of Water Treatment Chemicals and Services
February
  • Acting FTC Chairman Ohlhausen Reports One Year of Agency Accomplishments
  • U.S. Officials Meet with Chinese Anti-Monopoly Agencies
  • FTC Requires Divestiture of Retail Fuel Outlets as Condition of Acquisition
  • Online Talent Search Company Settles FTC Allegations it Collected Children’s Information without Consent and Misled Consumers
  • Marketers Barred from Making Deceptive Claims about Products’ Ability to Mitigate Side Effects of Cancer Treatment
  • FTC Releases Annual Privacy and Data Security Update
  • FTC Posts Videos on Burdens of Unnecessary Occupational Licensing Requirements
January
  • FTC Returns $6.4 Billion in Refunds to Consumers
  • Electronic Toy Maker VTech Settles FTC Allegations That it Violated Children’s Privacy Law and the FTC Act
  • FTC and econsumer.gov Members Launch New econsumer.gov Consumer Education Video
  • Agency Releases Staff Report Summarizing FTC Consumer Research on Online Advertising
  • FTC Challenges Consummated Merger of Companies That Make Microprocessor Prosthetic Knees
  • FTC Requires Divestiture of Two Medical Device Product Lines as Condition of Merger
  • Canadian Fertilizer and Chemical Companies Divest Production Facilities as Condition of Merger
  • FTC Staff Perspective Recaps Workshop Examining Privacy, Security Issues Related to Connected Cars
  • FTC, FCC Outline Agreement to Coordinate Online Consumer Protection Efforts Following Adoption of the Restoring Internet Freedom Order
2017
December
  • Officials from the United States, Canada, and Mexico Participate in Trilateral Meeting
  • FTC Challenges Proposed Titanium Dioxide Merger
  • FTC Requires Retail Fuel Station Divestiture
  • Dietary Supplement Sellers Settle FTC False Advertising Charges
  • FTC Reminds Consumers to File Claims for Refund from Western Union’s $586 Million Settlement
  • FTC Issues Annual Agency Financial Report
  • FTC Issues Reports on Drug Firm Patent Settlements and Ethanol Market Concentration
November
  • Acting FTC Chairman Ohlhausen Issues Statement on First Annual Review of EU-U.S.-Privacy Shield
  • FTC Provides Additional Guidance on COPPA and Voice Recordings
  • FTC Testifies on Net Neutrality
  • FTC Holds Tenth Annual Microeconomics Conference
  • FTC Invites Applications to Its International Fellows Program
  • President Announces Intent to Nominate New FTC Chairman and Commissioner
October
  • FTC, DOJ Issue Fiscal Year 2016 Hart Scott Rodino Premerger Notification Report
  • FTC Conditions Acquisition of Alere by Abbott Labs
  • FTC Conditions Integra’s Acquisition of Johnson & Johnson Division
  • FTC Earns Prestigious International Award for AshleyMadison.com Data Breach Investigation; Shares Honor with Privacy Law Authorities in Australia and Canada
  • Millions Look to FTC for Equifax Breach Info
  • FTC Holds Twitter Chat on Social Media Influencer Disclosures
September
  • CSGO Lotto Owners Settle FTC’s First-Ever Complaint Against Individual Social Media Influencers; Staff Sends Warning Letters to Influencers and Updates Staff Guidance
  • Three Companies Agree to Settle FTC Charges They Falsely Claimed Participation in EU-U.S. Privacy Shield Framework
  • Lenovo Settles FTC Charges It Harmed Consumers with Preinstalled Software on Its Laptops that Compromised Online Security
  • Acting Director of FTC Bureau of Competition Issues Statement on Agency's Review of Amazon.com, Inc.'s Acquisition of Whole Foods Market Inc.
  • FTC Acting Chairman Maureen K. Ohlhausen Speaks on 2017 Joint FTC-DOJ Antitrust Guidelines for International Enforcement and Cooperation Before International Bar Association Conference
  • FTC Closes Investigation of Honeywell International, Inc. and E.I. DuPont de Nemours & Co.
August
  • FTC Escalates the Fight Against Illegal Robocalls Using Consumer Complaints to Aid Industry Call-Blocking Solutions
  • FTC Approves Modifications to TRUSTe’s COPPA Safe Harbor Program
  • FTC Testifies Before House Judiciary Committee on Regulatory Abuse in the Pharmaceutical Sector
  • FTC Announces Winner of Its Internet of Things Home Device Security Contest
July
  • FTC Conditions Broadcom’s Acquisition of Brocade Communications Systems
  • FTC Challenges Merger of Daily Fantasy Sports Sites
  • FTC Halts Operation That Unlawfully Shared and Sold Consumers’ Sensitive Data
  • FTC and Other Consumer Protection Agencies Unveil Updated Website for International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network
  • FTC Announces Regulatory Reform Measures Ranging from TVs and Textiles to Energy Labels and CAN-SPAM
June
  • FTC and Federal, State, and International Partners Announce Major Crackdown on Tech Support Scams
  • FTC and DOJ Case Results in Historic Decision Awarding $280 Million in Civil Penalties Against Dish Network and Strong Injunctive Relief for Do Not Call Violations
  • Claims Procedure Open for Purchasers of Volkswagen Cars Subject to Misleading “Clean Diesel” Claims
  • Refunds Available from Amazon for Unauthorized In-App Purchases Following FTC-Amazon Agreement to End Litigation
  • FTC Announces Third PrivacyCon, Calls for Presentations
May
  • FTC Participates in Meetings of International Competition Network and International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network
  • Divestiture Will Preserve Competition in U.S. Market for Industrial Switchboxes
  • FTC Obtains Court Order Halting Peruvian Telemarketing Scheme that Preyed on Spanish Speaking Consumers
  • Marketers of ‘NutriMost Ultimate Fat Loss System’ Settle FTC Charges
  • FTC Staff Reminds Influencers and Brands to Clearly Disclose Relationship
April
  • FTC Releases 2016 Annual Highlights
  • FTC Signs Memorandum of Understanding with Royal Canadian Mounted Police
  • FTC Halts Invention Promotion Scheme
  • NetSpend Settles FTC Charges for $53 Million in Fintech Case
  • FTC Requires ChemChina and Syngenta AG to Divest U.S. Pesticides Assets as Condition of Merger
  • Cross-Border Enforcement Website to Offer International Consumer Authorities New Data Tools
March
  • FTC Preserves Competition in Face of Acquisition of Minority Interest in Competing Pipeline Company
  • Three Companies Settle FTC Charges that They Deceived Consumers About Participation in International Privacy Program
  • FTC Releases Annual Summary of Consumer Complaints
  • Acting FTC Chairman Maureen K. Ohlhausen and FCC Chairman Ajit Pai Issue Joint Statement on Protecting Americans’ Online Privacy
February
  • Second Billion Dollar Settlement with Volkswagen Requires Company to Repair or Buy Back 3.0 Liter TDI Diesel Vehicles
  • VIZIO to Pay $2.2 Million to FTC, State of New Jersey to Settle Charges It Collected Viewing Histories on 11 Million Smart Televisions Without Users’ Consent
  • FTC Settlement Puts a Stop to Money Mule Who Profited from India-Based Tax and Other Scams
  • Mallinckrodt Will Pay $100 Million to Settle Charges that It Illegally Maintained Its Monopoly of Specialty Drug Used to Treat Infants
  • President Trump Appoints Commissioner Ohlhausen Acting FTC Chairman; FTC Announces Management Changes in Bureaus of Consumer Protection and Competition
  • FTC Releases New Report on Cross-Device Tracking
January (Supplemental Issue)
  • FTC and DOJ Issue Revised Antitrust Guidelines for International Enforcement and Cooperation
  • FTC and DOJ Issue Updated Antitrust Guidelines for the Licensing of IP
  • FTC Charges Qualcomm with Monopolizing Key Semiconductor Device Used in Cell Phones
  • Western Union Co. Admits Anti-Money Laundering Violations and Settles Charges Related to International Consumer Fraud Schemes, Forfeits $586 Million, Must Establish Comprehensive Anti-Fraud Program
  • FTC Sends Checks to Nearly 350,000 Victims of Herbalife’s Multi-Level Marketing Scheme
  • FTC Chairwoman Edith Ramirez Issues Statement Following Adoption of the Swiss-U.S. Privacy Shield Framework
January
  • FTC Requires Divestitures in $13.53 Billion Deal Between Boehringer Ingelheim and Sanofi
  • FTC Conditions Abbott Laboratories’ Proposed $25 Billion Acquisition of Rival Medical Device Maker St. Jude Medical, Inc.
  • Operators of Canada-Based AshleyMadison.com Settle FTC, State Charges Resulting from 2015 Data Breach That Exposed 36 Million Users’ Profile Information
  • FTC Charges D-Link Put Consumers’ Privacy at Risk Due to the Inadequate Security of Its Computer Routers and Cameras
  • New York Times Details Raids of India-Based Tax Collection Impostors and Other Scams Netting Hundreds of Millions of Dollars
2016
December
  • FTC Issues “Sharing Economy” Report, Highlighting Competition Benefits and Consumer Protection Challenges
  • FTC Issues Enforcement Policy Statement Regarding Marketing Claims for Over-the-Counter Homeopathic Drugs
  • FTC Requires Parent Company of Bausch + Lomb to Divest Paragon
  • FTC Pre-Merger Office Revises Informal Guidance on Documents Discussing Only Foreign Markets
November
  • FTC and DOJ Seek Public Comment on Proposed Revisions to International Antitrust Guidelines
  • FTC and DOJ File Amicus Brief in Supreme Court Cases Involving Visa and MasterCard
  • FTC Charges Multinational Tech Support Companies with Using Deceptive Pop-Up Ads to Scare Consumers into Purchasing Unneeded Services; FTC Teams Up with International and Domestic Law Enforcement Partners to Combat Such Imposter Frauds
  • Federal Judge Approves FTC Order for Owners of Certain Volkswagen and Audi “Clean” Diesels to Receive Compensation
October
  • Court Bans Slovak Firm from Business Directory Business
  • Marketers of Joint Pain Supplement Agree to Settle Charges of Deceptive Advertising and Endorsements
  • FTC Releases Report on Patent Assertion Entities, Recommends Reforms
  • FTC and Agriculture Department Announce Agenda for Roundtable on Consumer Perception of Organic Claims
  • FTC Chairwoman Edith Ramirez Issues Statement on the Federal Communications Commission’s Broadband Consumer Privacy Proposal
September
  • FTC and DOJ Seek Comments on Intellectual Property Licensing Guides
  • I Works Billing Scheme Ringleader Agrees to Settle FTC Charges
  • FTC Blog Post Outlines How NIST Cybersecurity Framework Relates to FTC Data Security Program
  • FTC Charges India-Based Academic Journal Publisher OMICS Group Deceived Researchers
  • FTC Announces Agenda for Economic Conference on Marketing and Consumer Protection
  • FTC and USDA to Host Roundtable in Washington, D.C. in October to Examine Consumer Perceptions of “Organic” Claims for Non-Agricultural Products
August
  • Herbalife Will Restructure Its Multi-Level Marketing Operations and Pay $200 Million for Consumer Redress To Settle FTC Charges
  • FTC Sends Warning Letters to Online Sellers Making Zika Virus-Protection Claims
  • FTC Issues Warning Letters to Companies Claiming APEC Cross-Border Privacy Certification
  • Commission Finds LabMD Liable for Unfair Data Security Practices
  • FTC Requires Teva To Divest More Than 75 Generic Drugs in Acquisition of Allergan’s Generic Business
  • As a Condition of Acquiring Meda, FTC Requires Mylan To Divest Rights to Two Generic Drugs
  • FTC Announces Fall Technology Series Workshops on Ransomware, Disclosures, Drones, and Other Topics
  • Insights from the FTC’s Chief Technologist
July
  • Volkswagen To Spend up to $14.7 Billion To Settle Allegations of Cheating Emissions Tests and Deceiving Customers on 2.0 Liter Diesel Vehicles
  • Chairwoman Ramirez Welcomes European Commission Approval of the EU-U.S. Privacy Shield Framework
  • FTC Staff Commends Key Principles for Online Reviews and Endorsements from the International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network
  • FTC and Florida Charge International Tech Support Operation with Tricking Consumers into Paying Millions for Bogus Services
  • Singapore-Based Mobile Advertising Network Settles FTC Charges It Tracked Hundreds of Millions of Consumers’ Locations Without Permission
  • FTC Challenges Proposed Merger of Canadian Chemical Companies
  • FTC Requires Cement Manufacturers To Divest U.S. Assets as a Condition of Merger
  • U.S. and Japanese Antitrust Heads Meet
June
  • FTC and 10 Foreign Agencies Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Combat Unsolicited Messages and Calls
  • Electronic Health Records Company Settles FTC Charges It Deceived Consumers About Privacy of Doctor Reviews
  • FTC and Department of Justice Sign Antitrust Cooperation Agreement with Peru’s Competition Agency
  • FTC Testifies Before House Judiciary Subcommittee Regarding International Competition Policy and Enforcement
  • FTC Requires Industrial Gas Suppliers to Divest Assets as a Condition of Merger
  • Officials from the United States, Canada, and Mexico Participate in Trilateral Meeting in Toronto To Discuss Antitrust Enforcement
  • FTC’s Premerger Notification Office Announces New Test To Determine Whether Foreign Entities Are Classified As Corporate Under HSR Rules
  • New FTC Resources Warn Consumers About Imposter Scams
  • Blog Post Explains FTC Staff’s Analysis of Antitrust Concerns That May Be Raised by the Acquisition of a Partial Interest in a Competitor
May
  • President Obama Issues Competition Call to Action
  • U.S. Antitrust Agency Officials Meet with Officials of Chinese Antitrust Agencies
  • Staples and Office Depot Abandon Merger After Successful FTC Challenge
  • Chairwoman Ramirez Participates in ICN’s Fifteenth Annual Conference
  • Supplier of High-Performance Polymer for Medical Implants Settles FTC Charges That It Monopolized Sales to World’s Largest Medical Device Makers
  • Federal Court Finds Amazon Liable for Billing Parents for Children’s Unauthorized In-App Charges
  • Hand-Held Vaporizer Company Settles FTC Charges It Deceived Consumers About Participation in Asia-Pacific International Privacy Program
  • FTC To Study Mobile Device Industry’s Security Update Practices
April
  • FTC Chairwoman Ramirez Releases Annual Highlights for 2015
  • FTC Charges Volkswagen Deceived Consumers with Its “Clean Diesel” Campaign
  • FTC Signs Memorandum of Understanding with Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) on Do Not Call, Spam Enforcement
  • FTC Releases New Guidance for Developers of Mobile Health Apps
  • FTC Releases Spanish-Language Video on Imposter Scams
  • FTC Chief Technologist: “Time To Rethink Mandatory Password Changes”
  • FTC Welcomes Revised OECD Guidelines for E-commerce
  • Global Privacy Enforcement Network (GPEN) Issues Annual Report Highlighting Expansion
March
  • FTC Chairwoman Edith Ramirez Issues Statement on Release of EU-U.S. Privacy Shield Framework
  • FTC Releases Annual Summary of Consumer Complaints
  • ASUS Settles FTC Charges That Insecure Home Routers and “Cloud” Services Put Consumers’ Privacy at Risk
  • FTC Takes Action Against Deceptive Claims by Online Schools
  • FTC Requires Divestiture As a Condition of Hikma Pharmaceuticals Acquiring Certain Drug Products from Ben Venue Laboratories
  • FTC Puts Conditions on Generic Drug Marketer Lupin’s Proposed Acquisition of Gavis Pharmaceuticals
  • FTC Promotes Education for National Consumer Protection Week: Releases Blog and New Video on “Free Trials”
February
  • FTC Report Shows Potential Pay-for-Delay Deals Decreased Substantially Following Supreme Court’s Actavis Decision
  • FTC Chairwoman Edith Ramirez Issues Statement on the EU-U.S. Privacy Shield Agreement
  • FTC Releases 2015 Privacy and Data Security Update
  • FTC Announces Significant Enhancements to IdentityTheft.gov
  • FTC Announces Annual Update of Thresholds for Premerger Notification Filings and Interlocking Directorates
  • FTC ‘Fotonovela’ Tells Latino Community How to Avoid Car-Buying Problems
January
  • FTC Report Provides Recommendations to Business on Growing Use of Big Data
  • FTC Issues Enforcement Policy Statement and Business Guidance on Native Advertising
  • Lumosity to Pay $2 Million to Settle FTC Deceptive Advertising Charges for Its “Brain Training” Program
  • LifeLock to Pay $100 Million to Consumers to Settle FTC Charges it Violated 2010 Order
  • Oracle Agrees to Settle FTC Charges It Deceived Consumers About Java Software Updates
  • ArcLight Energy Partners Fund to Divest Assets as a Condition of Acquiring Gulf Oil Ltd. Partnership
  • FTC Blog Lists Top 10 Antitrust Developments of 2015
  • FTC Issues Biennial Report to Congress on the National Do Not Call Registry
  • FTC Issues Annual Report on Ethanol Market Concentration
2015
December
  • FTC Challenges Merger of Staples and Office Depot
  • Wyndham Hotels Settles Charges that It Put Consumers’ Payment Card Information at Risk
  • Telemarketing Sales Rule Amended to Prohibit Payment Methods Favored by Scammers
  • Ginger Jin Named Director of FTC’s Bureau of Economics; Alison Oldale Named BE Deputy Director for Antitrust
  • Lorrie Cranor Appointed FTC Chief Technologist
  • FTC and Federal Communications Commission Sign MOU
November
  • FTC Requires Mylan to Sell Rights to Seven Generic Pharmaceuticals as a Condition of Acquiring Perrigo Company
  • Marketer of Rug Accessory Settles FTC Charges of Invitation to Collude with Competitor
  • FTC and Seven International Partners Launch New Initiative to Boost Cooperation in Protecting Consumer Privacy
  • Sprint Will Pay $2.95 Million Penalty to Settle FTC Charges It Violated Fair Credit Reporting Act
  • FTC Concludes ECM BioFilms Made False, Misleading, and Unsubstantiated Claims About the Biodegradability of Plastic Products Treated with Its Additive
  • FTC Testifies Before Congressional Committees on Fraud and Tech Support Scams Affecting Older Americans, Highlighting International Cooperation Against Cross-Border Scams
  • FTC Testifies on Proposed Legislation Addressing Privacy and Security in Connected Automobiles
October
  • FTC and Consumer Protection Agencies from 33 Other Countries Unveil Updated Econsumer.gov Website
  • FTC Sues Marketers Who Used “Gag Clauses,” Monetary Threats, and Lawsuits to Stop Negative Consumer Reviews for Unproven Weight-Loss Products
  • FTC and DOJ Sign Antitrust Memorandum of Understanding with Korea Fair Trade Commission
  • FTC Chairwoman Releases Statement Regarding the European Court of Justice Safe Harbor Framework Decision
  • FTC Office of International Affairs Releases FY 2014 Technical Assistance Report
September
  • Commission Issues Statement of Principles Regarding Enforcement Against Unfair Methods of Competition
  • Appellate Court Affirms FTC’s Authority to Hold Companies Accountable for Failing to Safeguard Consumer Data
  • FTC Acts to Halt Multilevel Marketer of Health and Wellness Drinks as Alleged Pyramid Scheme
  • Thirteen Companies Agree to Settle FTC Charges They Falsely Claimed To Comply with International Safe Harbor Framework
  • FTC Announces First-Ever PrivacyCon Event for January 2016
  • FTC Awards $25,000 Top Cash Prize for Contest-Winning Mobile App That Blocks Illegal Robocalls
August
  • FTC Takes Action Against LifeLock for Alleged Violations of 2010 Order
  • Supplement Marketers Will Relinquish $1.4 Million to Settle FTC Deceptive Advertising Charges
  • Discount Retailers Dollar Tree and Family Dollar to Divest 330 Stores as Condition of Merger
  • FTC Amicus Brief Urges Appeals Court to Overturn District Court Decision That Pay-for-Delay Pharmaceutical Settlements Violate Antitrust Laws Only If Paid in Cash
  • FTC Publishes Information for Recent Refugees and Immigrants on Avoiding Scams
  • FTC Kicks Off “Start With Security” Business Education Initiative
July
  • Sysco and US Foods Abandon Proposed Merger after Court Grants FTC’s Preliminary Injunction Motion
  • Court Rules in Favor of FTC on Pharmaceutical Industry Patent Rights Reportable under HSR Act
  • FTC Releases International Consumer Complaint Report
  • FTC Joins Fellow Members of International Network to Address SMS Spam, Robocalls, and Affiliate Marketing
  • FTC ‘Fotonovela’ Warns Latino Community About Notario Scams
  • FTC to Host September Workshop to Examine Advertising for Over-the-Counter Homeopathic Products
June
  • Chairwoman Ramirez, Assistant Attorney General Baer, and Canadian and Mexican Officials Participate in Trilateral Meeting to Discuss Antitrust Enforcement; Ramirez Meets with Mexican Consumer and Privacy Officials
  • FTC and Law Enforcement Partners Charge Four Sham Cancer Charities with Defrauding Over $187 Million from Consumers
  • FTC Action Halts Global Sweepstakes Scam Targeting Older Consumers
  • Cephalon Pay for Delay Case Ensures $1.2 Billion in Ill-Gotten Gains Will Go to Affected Purchasers
  • Auto Parts Suppliers ZF Friedrichshafen and TRW Automotive Must Divest TRW’s Linkage and Suspension Business as Part of $12.4 Billion Deal
  • FTC and DOJ Support U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Efforts to Increase the Quality of Granted Patents
May
  • FTC Participates in International Competition Network Conference That Releases Guidance on Procedural Fairness in Investigations and Cooperation in International Merger Enforcement
  • International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network Hears Keynote from FTC Commissioner on Intersection of Privacy and Consumer Protection
  • Cardinal Health Agrees To Disgorge $26.8 Million To Settle Charges It Monopolized 25 Markets for the Sale of Radiopharmaceuticals to Hospitals and Clinics
  • FTC Halts Illegal Spammers’ Deceptive Marketing of Bogus Weight-Loss Products
  • National Mortgage Servicing Company Settles FTC, CFPB Charges for $63 Million
  • Two More Companies Settle FTC Charges over Membership in International Safe Harbor Framework
April
  • BMW Settles FTC Charges that Its MINI Division Illegally Conditioned Warranty Coverage on Use of Its Parts and Service
  • FTC Halts Canadian Online ‘Yellow Pages’ Scammers
  • FTC Requires Divestitures in Connection With Impax Laboratories Inc.’s Proposed Acquisition of CorePharma, LLC
  • FTC Establishes New Consumer Protection Technology Office
  • Global Privacy Enforcement Network Releases Annual Report Highlighting Increased Membership and Enhanced Enforcement Cooperation
  • FTC Invites Applications from Counterpart Agencies Around the World for Its International Fellows Program
March
  • U.S. Supreme Court Affirms FTC Position in NC State Board of Dental Examiners
  • FTC Conditions Novartis AG’s Proposed Acquisition of GlaxoSmithKline’s Oncology Drugs
  • FTC Signs Memorandum of Understanding with Dutch Agency on Privacy Enforcement Cooperation
  • Identity Theft Tops FTC’s Consumer Complaint Categories Again in 2014: Imposter Scams on the Rise
  • FTC Collaborates with Canadian Agency on Robocall Contests to Combat Illegal Automated Calls
February
  • FTC Proposes to Study Merger Remedies
  • To Cure Anticompetitive Merger Sun Pharmaceutical Agrees to Divest Ranbaxy Lab’s Generic Tablets for Treating Bacterial Infections
  • FTC Report on Internet of Things Urges Companies to Adopt Best Practices to Address Consumer Privacy and Security Risks
  • Prepaid Mobile Provider TracFone to Pay $40 Million to Settle FTC Charges It Deceived Consumers About ‘Unlimited’ Data Plans
  • Two Defendants in Canada-Based Telemarketing Scheme Settle FTC Charges
January
  • President Obama Visits FTC
  • T-Mobile to Pay At Least $90 Million, Including Full Consumer Refunds, To Settle FTC Mobile Cramming Case
  • FTC Warns Chinese Children’s App Maker About Possible Children’s Privacy Law Violations
  • FTC Conditions Eli Lilly’s Proposed Acquisition of Novartis Animal Health
2014
December
  • FTC Conditions Medtronic’s Proposed Acquisition of Covidien
  • Sony Settles FTC Charges Over Misleading Ads For PlayStation Vita Gaming Console
  • FTC Issues FY 2014 National Do Not Call Registry Data Book
November
  • FTC Celebrates 100th Anniversary
  • FTC Charges Gerber with Falsely Advertising That Its Good Start Gentle Formula Protects Infants from Developing Allergies
  • Leading Propane Exchange Tank Suppliers Settle Collusion Charges
October
  • AT&T to Pay $105 Million in Mobile Cramming Case:  $80 Million Will Go to FTC for Refunds to Consumers Who Were Crammed
  • U.S. Agencies Sign Antitrust Cooperation Agreement with Colombia
  • At FTC’s Request, Court Halts Bogus Bitcoin Mining Operation
September
  • Google to Refund Consumers at Least $19 Million to Settle FTC Complaint It Unlawfully Billed Parents for Children’s Unauthorized In-App Charges
  • Dramamine Maker Agrees To Divest Competing Motion Sickness Drug Following Acquisition To Settle FTC Charges
  • FTC Announces Winners of “Zapping Rachel” Robocall Contest
  • FTC Is Cosponsoring September 8-10 African Consumer Protection Dialogue Conference
August
  • FTC Alleges Amazon Unlawfully Billed Parents for Millions of Dollars in Children’s Unauthorized In-App Charges
  • Feature: Mobile Payments
  • Mobile Cramming
  • Mobile Shopping Apps
  • Two Barcode Resellers Invited Competitors to Collude
  • FTC Renews Partnership with Saskatchewan Law Enforcement Agencies to Fight Cross-Border Fraud
July
  • FTC Alleges T-Mobile Knowingly Crammed Millions of Dollars in Bogus Charges onto Customers’ Phone Bills
  • FTC Puts Conditions on Actavis plc’s Acquisition of Forest Laboratories, Inc.
  • FTC Testifies on Geolocation Privacy
  • Feature: Misleading Health Claims
June
  • FTC Releases International Consumer Complaints Report for 2013
  • Chairwoman Ramirez Meets with Officials of Chinese Antitrust Agencies
May
  • Terrell McSweeny Begins Term as FTC Commissioner
  • FTC Bureau of Competition Director Issues Report on Work of the Bureau over the Past Year
  • International Competition Network Adopts Recommended Practices for Predatory Pricing Analysis and Advances Convergence on Confidentiality Protections
  • FTC Charges Operators of “Jerk.com” Website with Deceiving Consumers
April
  • FTC Chairwoman Releases FTC 2013 Annual Highlights
  • FTC Signs Memorandum of Understanding with UK Privacy Enforcement Agency: Also Introduces EU/APEC Mapping Tool for Cross-Border Data Transfer Systems
  • U.S. and Canadian Antitrust Agencies Issue Best Practices for Coordinating Merger Reviews
  • ICN Holds Roundtable on Investigative Process
March
  • Conferences Highlight FTC Contributions to the Development of Antitrust Policy and Current International Antitrust Enforcement Challenges
  • Antitrust Officials from the United States, Canada, and Mexico Participate in Trilateral Meeting to Discuss Antitrust Enforcement
  • FTC Consumer Sentinel Data Book Documents $1.6 Billion in Losses Reported via Consumer Complaints in 2013; ID Theft Comprises 14 Percent of the 2 Million Complaints
February
  • Apple Settles with FTC  for $32.5 million over Kids’ In-App Purchases
  • FTC Settles with Twelve Companies Falsely Claiming to Comply with International Privacy Safe Harbor
  • FTC Issues Opinion and Order Finding McWane, Inc. Unlawfully Maintained Monopoly in Domestic Pipe Fittings
  • U.S. and Chinese Antitrust Officials Hold High Level Meetings
January
  • FTC Issues Performance and Accountability Report for Fiscal Year 2013
  • Professional Associations Agree To Eliminate Ethics Provisions Limiting Competition
  • Android Flashlight App Developer Settles FTC Charges It Deceived Consumers About Use of Information
  • FTC Recruits International Fellows from Counterpart Agencies Around the World
2013
December
  • FTC Testifies before Congress on Its Work to Protect Consumers and Promote Competition As the Agency Approaches Its 100th Anniversary
  • FTC Provides Input on the U.S.-EU Safe Harbor Framework to European Commission
  • Chairwoman Ramirez Testifies on Enforcement of U.S. Antitrust Laws
October/November
  • FTC and DOJ Release Updated Model Waiver of Confidentiality for International Civil Matters
  • Chairwoman Ramirez Addresses Trans Atlantic Consumer Dialogue at Special Meeting on Consumer Protection and Transatlantic Trade Negotiations
  • Chairwoman Ramirez Addresses Global Antitrust Enforcement Symposium
  • FTC Sues to Stop Massive Sweepstakes Scam Victimizing Consumers in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., France, Japan, and Other Countries
September
  • FTC Signs Memorandum of Understanding with Nigerian Civil and Criminal Enforcement Authorities
  • FTC Co-Hosts Fifth Annual African Consumer Protection Dialogue Conference
  • FTC Submits Proposed Amicus Curiae Brief Concerning “No-Authorized-Generic” Commitments in Drug Companies’ Patent Settlements