EU probe finds most influencers skirting Internal Market rules
The European Union has expressed concerns about the impact of social media influencers on various aspects of society, including health, politics, and the spread of disinformation.
A study by the European Commission found that 97% of influencers published posts with commercial content, but only 20% disclosed it as advertising. [ more ]
New laws to protect consumers from cyber attacks take effect
Manufacturers legally required to enhance security of smart devices by banning weak default passwords and ensuring transparency in security updates. [ more ]
AT&T Says Millions Of Customers' Data Was Leaked Online - Here's How To Tell If You Were Affected
AT&T experienced similar breaches in the past without acknowledging them, leading to potential legal consequences.
Consumers can protect themselves by using strong passwords, enabling multifactor authentication, monitoring account activities, and setting up credit freezes and fraud alerts. [ more ]
Consumers lost $10 billion to scams in the U.S. in 2023, with imposter scams being the most common.
Perpetrators of scams target people's vulnerabilities like desire for love or greed, often using sophisticated methods like personalized emails. [ more ]
Germany's BMI approves Federal Data Protection Act draft
Germany's Federal Ministry of the Interior has approved a draft amendment of the Federal Data Protection Act.
The amendment includes a credit scoring regulation that prevents companies from discriminating against consumers based on certain personal information. [ more ]
Belgian presidency reinforces call to regulate influencers at EU level
The Belgian presidency has shared preliminary thoughts on regulating online influence at the EU level.
The European Commission's consumer protection department is conducting a 'fitness check' to determine if EU consumer law is adequate in the digital world. [ more ]
FCC Closes 'Fast Lane' Loophole in Final Net Neutrality Order
The final net neutrality order prohibits internet service providers from violating fast-lane bans and masking consumer products as enterprise to circumvent rules. [ more ]
Spanish banking giant set to enter Irish market in huge boost for competition
The entry of Bankinter into the Irish banking market is expected to increase competition and shake up the market dominated by AIB, Bank of Ireland, and PTSB. [ more ]
How Facebook ads let foreign-managed health products spread, putting Filipinos at risk
Facebook ads in the Philippines promote dubious health products using fraudulent tactics, targeting consumers with false promises and risk exposure. [ more ]
FTC votes to streamline investigations into AI products
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has approved a resolution granting the agency easier access to information in nonpublic investigations related to artificial intelligence (AI) products and services.
The resolution allows FTC staff to issue civil investigative demands, similar to subpoenas, to investigate unlawful market behavior involving AI products without requiring a full Commission vote.
The resolution aims to protect consumers and address concerns about fraud, privacy infringement, unfair practices, and competition issues related to AI. [ more ]
How Much Will Sellers Obtain From The NAR Lawsuit? Boston Condos For Sale Ford Realty
Plaintiffs spent significant time and money fighting real estate companies over alleged anti-competitive practices, resulting in a sizable settlement fund for affected Americans. [ 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 ]
How your sensitive data can be sold after a data broker goes bankrupt
Near, a company with a large location data set, faced bankruptcy after going public with a $1 billion valuation.
The bankruptcy raised concerns about the fate of Near's sensitive location data, prompting a call for the data's destruction to protect consumers' privacy. [ more ]
Meta lawsuit against the FTC could put a leash on the agency's regulatory powers
A lawsuit filed by Meta against the FTC could weaken the agency's ability to regulate companies and enforce consumer protection rules.
If Meta prevails in the lawsuit, it could pave the way for presidents to remove commissioners without cause and open the commission to court challenges. [ more ]
Police raid uncovers 1million worth of counterfeit trainers and bracelets on Camden High Street
Police have removed around 6 million pounds worth of fake goods from Camden High Street since August.
City of London Police are warning people to be cautious about buying bargain products as gifts during the Christmas season due to the presence of counterfeit goods. [ more ]