Data brokers need to reconsider the definition of sensitive data due to recent enforcement actions by the FTC.
The FTC considers browsing and location data as sensitive even without traditional identifiable information, focusing on what can be inferred from it. [ more ]
Finance Docket: FTC Chair Appears On The Daily Show With Jon Stewart, Slams Tech Monopolies
Stewart's comeback sparks nostalgic sentiments among viewers. His interview with FTC Chair Khan delves into big tech, antitrust, and AI impact on jobs. [ more ]
Blackbaud blasted for failing to prevent customer breaches | Computer Weekly
Blackbaud, the US-based supplier of cloud software, has been criticized by authorities over major cybersecurity failings following a ransomware attack in 2020.
The attack impacted the data of multiple UK universities and non-profit organizations, including the Labour Party donors' data.
The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) stated that Blackbaud failed to implement proper safeguards and deceived its customers. [ more ]
FTC Order Will Require Blackbaud to Delete Unnecessary Data, Boost Safeguards to Settle Charges its Lax Security Practices Led to Data Breach
Blackbaud Inc. has reached a settlement with the FTC over charges of lax security that allowed hackers to access personal data.
As part of the settlement, Blackbaud will delete unnecessary personal data, develop an information security program, and notify the FTC of any future data breaches. [ more ]
The FTC Gets Its Second Crack At Kochava; The Deprecation Vacation | AdExchanger
The FTC has filed a new lawsuit against Kochava, alleging that the company's location and consumer data sales business constitutes a privacy invasion and a consumer harm.
The case highlights the increasing trend of privacy issues being linked to consumer protection claims, particularly in Europe. [ more ]
IPWatchdog.com | Patents & Intellectual Property Law
US launches inquiry into AI deals by Microsoft, OpenAI, Google and Amazon
The US FTC has launched an inquiry into the investments and partnerships made by major companies in the generative AI space, including Alphabet, Amazon, Microsoft, and OpenAI.
The inquiry will focus on examining the authority and rights conferred by these investments and partnerships and whether they harm competition in the AI industry. [ more ]
FTC opens investigation into Big Tech stakes in hot AI startups
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is launching an investigation into competition in the AI industry and has ordered Alphabet/Google, Microsoft, Amazon, OpenAI, and Anthropic to provide information about their investment deals.
The investigation aims to examine corporate partnerships and investments with AI providers and determine their impact on the competitive landscape.
The FTC wants to ensure that tech giants are not using large investments to bypass traditional reviews and stifle competition in the AI industry. [ more ]
Microsoft Is Undermining Activision's Independence With Latest Layoffs, FTC Says
The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has criticized Microsoft's layoff plan of 1,900 employees within its Xbox division, including Activision Blizzard employees, stating that it contradicts how Microsoft represented itself in the buyout proceedings.
The FTC is seeking to temporarily pause the Microsoft-Activision Blizzard buyout until it can review the deal on antitrust grounds. [ more ]
FTC now investigating Big Tech's partnerships with AI startups like OpenAI
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is launching a market inquiry into the ties between major cloud service providers and AI developers.
The FTC has issued compulsory orders to Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Anthropic, and OpenAI to provide information about their investments and partnerships. [ more ]
FTC launches probe into AI investments, deals by Microsoft, Amazon and more
The FTC has issued orders to OpenAI, Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon, and Anthropic to provide information on recent investments and partnerships involving generative AI companies and cloud service providers.
The inquiry aims to understand the impact of these relationships on the competitive landscape. [ more ]
FTC investigating Microsoft, Amazon, and Google investments into OpenAI and Anthropic
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is investigating the investments of Big Tech companies in cloud services for smaller AI companies like OpenAI and Anthropic.
The FTC wants information on investment agreements, market impact, competition for resources, and disclosures to other government entities. [ more ]
Location Data Brokers, Beware The FTC; Advertising Lifts All Boats | AdExchanger
The FTC has issued a complaint against InMarket for failing to obtain consent before collecting consumer data.
If the FTC wins the case, InMarket may have to delete or anonymize collected data, create data privacy policies, and offer a way for users to withdraw consent or request data deletion. [ more ]
FTC greenlights Exxon-Pioneer megadeal with a caveat. It's still a good sign for energy mergers
The FTC approved Exxon Mobil's acquisition of Pioneer Natural Resources but prohibited the former Pioneer CEO from Exxon's board due to allegations of collusion with OPEC. [ more ]
The Morning Risk Report: Business Groups Race to Block FTC's Ban on Noncompete Agreements
The FTC issued a rule prohibiting noncompete agreements, facing legal challenges from business groups and sparking debates on their anticompetitive nature. [ more ]
The article discusses various legal issues including the Trump defense, abortion bans, antitrust regulations, merger efficiency, FTC actions, and law school employment. [ more ]
House advances bill empowering FTC to punish data transfers to foreign rivals
The House approved a measure penalizing data brokers transferring data to foreign adversaries like China.
The bill would allow the FTC to seek civil penalties when data brokers sell information to countries like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. [ more ]
FTC Order Will Ban Avast from Selling Browsing Data for Advertising Purposes, Require It to Pay $16.5 Million Over Charges the Firm Sold Browsing Data After Claiming Its Products Would Block Online Tracking
Avast to pay $16.5 million settlement for selling browsing data without consent.
FTC alleges Avast misled users by claiming to protect privacy while selling browsing data. [ more ]
Senator: Data broker tracked visits to Planned Parenthood
Pro-life group targeted Planned Parenthood visitors with anti-abortion ads using location data from Near Intelligence.
US Senator Ron Wyden is urging the FTC and SEC to investigate Near and ensure the prompt destruction of all location data it holds on Americans. [ more ]
FTC to Blackbaud: We're not gonna fine you, but do better
Blackbaud has proposed a settlement with the FTC to address its data security practices after a breach resulted in the theft of personal information on millions of people.
The FTC has criticized Blackbaud for its reckless data retention practices and false statements made during the breach notification process. [ more ]
FTC opens inquiry into Amazon, Google, Microsoft AI deals
The FTC is investigating the AI investments and partnerships of five Big Tech players, including Microsoft, Amazon, and Google.
The FTC is concerned about these deals potentially distorting innovation and undermining fair competition in the AI and cloud service provider markets. [ more ]
FTC orders AI companies to dish on investments, partnerships and meetings | TechCrunch
The FTC is launching an inquiry into the corporate relationships of top AI companies.
The orders sent to these companies seek information on partnerships, competitive impact, and the potential distortion of innovation and fair competition. [ more ]
Feds crack down hard on selling of personal data without consent
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has banned InMarket Media from selling or licensing people's precise geolocation data, highlighting the government's crackdown on data brokers.
InMarket allegedly gathered consumer location data from mobile apps and used it for targeted advertising without users' informed consent. [ more ]
Why Is The Push For Children's Online Protection Moving So Slowly? | AdExchanger
Lawmakers are playing politics, hindering the creation of safety measures for children's privacy online.
The FTC is proposing updates to the COPPA Rule, including turning off targeted advertising for children by default and obtaining separate opt-in consent from parents for sharing personal information with third parties. [ more ]
FTC wins first settlement banning sale of location data
The US Federal Trade Commission has reached a settlement with data broker X-Mode Social, prohibiting them from sharing or selling sensitive location data.
X-Mode was accused of selling raw non-anonymized location data collected through its own apps and an SDK found in hundreds of popular apps on Apple and Android devices. [ more ]
FTC bans major data broker from selling invasive location tracking details
The FTC has prohibited Outlogic, a US data broker, from selling or sharing sensitive location information due to a lack of safeguards to protect consumer privacy.
Outlogic's data was capable of tracking individuals to sensitive locations, including domestic abuse shelters and reproductive health clinics. [ more ]