The FTC's proposed consent decree for Omnicom's $13.5 billion merger with Interpublic Group aims to address antitrust issues while implementing a ban on directing ad dollars based on ideological viewpoints. This measure targets concerns regarding advertiser behavior, particularly amidst backlash following controversial content on platforms like X. The order prevents the merged entity from avoiding platforms with specific political leanings, although advertisers can still request exclusions directly. This move reflects growing scrutiny over the intersection of ad spending, content moderation, and free speech.
Under the proposed terms, the newly-merged company could not direct or deny advertisers' spending on any given platform based on that website's political or ideological views.
The all-Republican Federal Trade Commission agreed to approve a $13.5 billion ad merger if it includes a ban on steering ad dollars away from platforms based on political viewpoints.
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