A&B ABstract Each year the Federal Trade Commission (the “FTC” or “Commission”) publishes a report on its activities with respect to consumer privacy and data security during the prior year. On February 25, 2020, the Commission released its 2019 Privacy and Data Security Update. The update contains a summary of the FTC’s enforcement, advocacy, and […]
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
FTC to Settle Charges of Deception with Marketer of Consumer Financial Products
A&B ABstract: The Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) recently announced an administrative complaint and proposed settlement against a marketer of consumer financial products that highlights potential compliance issues with product and service reviews, particularly entities that provide “pay-to-play” rankings and ratings. Discussion: On February 3, 2020, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC” or “Commission”) announced an administrative […]
FTC Announces Settlement with Mortgage Broker for Publishing Personal Information about Consumers
A&B ABstract: On January 7, 2020, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced a complaint and settlement against California mortgage broker Mortgage Solutions FCS, doing business as Mount Diablo Lending, and its owner, Ramon Walker, (collectively, Mortgage Solutions). The FTC’s complaint (Complaint) alleged that in response to negative Yelp reviews posted by applicants and customers, the […]
Alston & Bird Expands Privacy and Cybersecurity Capabilities with Former FTC Veteran
Alston & Bird has expanded its privacy and cybersecurity litigation practice in Washington, D.C. with partner, Kathleen Benway. Benway, a former U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) chief of staff, brings exceptional experience at the FTC, FCC, and in the Senate with consumer protection law and policy, especially in privacy and data security. She arrives from Wilkinson […]
Supreme Court Cases Threaten a “Cornerstone” of the FTC’s Enforcement Program – Disgorgement
A&B ABstract: For decades, the FTC has pursued defendants allegedly engaged in “unfair or deceptive acts or practices in or affecting commerce” in violation of the FTC Act.[i] Specifically, the FTC has used Section 13(b) of the FTC Act to file dozens of lawsuits in federal court each year and recover billions of dollars in […]