Markets Wired

The Federal Trade Commission has released a new video designed to give mobile app developers information they can use to ensure that their innovative efforts also protect the interests of consumers.

Smartphone and tablet applications are being created at an incredibly fast pace, and the developers creating them range from large corporations to small startups. The new video is designed to give app developers tips on how to develop their applications with consumers’ privacy in mind and comply with truth-in-advertising principles.

Among the issues addressed in the video are the importance of truthful advertising about what an app is and what it does, as well as the role of transparency in telling users what information the app collects and how it will be used. The video is part of the FTC’s ongoing effort to provide businesses with useful information on how to comply with the law and protect consumers.

The Federal Trade Commission works for consumers to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices and to provide information to help spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint in English or Spanish, visit the FTC’s online Complaint Assistant or call1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). The FTC enters complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to more than 2,000 civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad. The FTC’s website provides free information on a variety of consumer topics. Like the FTC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources.