FTC Sends Biennial Report to Congress on the National Do Not Call Registry

The Federal Trade Commission has approved a biennial report to Congress focusing on the use of the Do Not Call Registry by both consumers and businesses over the past two years, as well as the impact that new technologies have had on the Registry. As detailed in the report, the Do Not Call Registry now […]

FTC Approves Universal Health Services’ Application to Sell Las Vegas Psychiatric Facilities

Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has approved an application by Universal Health Services, Inc. (UHS) to sell its Las Vegas, Nevada, psychiatric facilities, including Montevista Hospital and Red Rock Behavioral Health Hospital, to Strategic Behavioral Health, LLC. UHS is required to sell the assets under an FTC order settling charges that […]

FTC Extends Deadline for Comments in Two Proceedings:Regulatory Review of Textile Labeling Rules and New Energy Labeling Requirements for Home Heating and Cooling Equipment

In response to requests from stakeholders, the Federal Trade Commission has extended the deadlines for the public to submit comments in two different proceedings. The deadline to submit comments in the agency’s review of its Textile Rules will be extended 30 days until February 2. The deadline for public comments on new energy labeling requirements […]

FTC Files Amicus Brief in U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit in Saint Joseph Abbey v. Castille

The Federal Trade Commission filed an amicus brief before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, in a case raising constitutional challenges to provisions of the Louisiana Embalming and Funeral Directors Act. The Commission did not take a position on the ultimate issue of the Act’s constitutionality, but stated that the restraints on […]

FTC Seeks Public Comments on Facial Recognition Technology

Federal Trade Commission staff is seeking public comments on the issues raised at a recent FTC workshop exploring facial recognition technology and the privacy and security implications raised by its increasing use. The December 8, 2011, public workshop, “Face Facts: A Forum on Facial Recognition Technology,” focused on the current and future commercial applications of […]

FTC Accepts Final Settlement with Online Advertiser Scan Scout, Which Allegedly Used Flash Cookies to Track Consumers

Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has finalized a settlement order with online advertiser ScanScout, which the FTC alleged deceptively claimed that consumers could opt out of receiving targeted ads by changing their browser settings. The settlement, which was first announced on November 8, 2011, bars misrepresentations about the company’s data-collection practices […]

FTC Announces Personnel Changes in Bureau of Consumer Protection

The Federal Trade Commission is pleased to announce that Jessica Rich, currently a Deputy Director of the agency’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, will take over as head of the Bureau’s Division of Financial Practices. Ms. Rich will become the Associate Director in charge of the Division as of January 9, 2012. According to FTC Chairman […]

FTC Stops Marketers From Selling Phony Fuel Economy Devices

The Federal Trade Commission reached a settlement putting a stop to the phony claims of marketers who told consumers their fuel economy device could boost automobile gas mileage by at least 50 percent and “turn any vehicle into a hybrid.” The settlement bans marketers of the so-called “Hydro-Assist Fuel Cell” from selling fuel economy products. […]

Court Rules in Favor of FTC; Orders Defendants in Payday Lending Case to Pay More Than $294,000 for Illegal Garnishment of Consumers’ Paychecks

At the request of the Federal Trade Commission, a federal court has ordered one of the individuals behind a payday lending scheme and two companies he controlled to pay $294,536 for illegally trying to garnish borrowers’ wages, and for using other illegal debt-collection practices. The Order bans Joe S. Strom and two companies he controls […]

FTC Charges Telemarketers with Illegal Robocalling

The Federal Trade Commission is taking action against a telemarketing operation that allegedly made illegal robocalls, called phone numbers on the National Do Not Call Registry, and masked Caller ID information, in violation of the FTC’s Telemarketing Sales Rule. The FTC’s complaint seeks to make the defendants pay civil penalties and stop the illegal calls. […]