2023 brought a surge of data privacy developments, with a large expansion of state comprehensive privacy laws, litigation of new claims based on older laws (e.g. wiretapping and VPPA cases), increased scrutiny on data...more
In May 2022, when the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) proposed updates to its Guides Concerning Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising (Guides), it had been 13 years since the Guides were updated. Much has changed...more
The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule requires operators of websites and online services that are directed to children under 13 years of age, or that have “actual knowledge” they are collecting personal information...more
The Association of National Advertisers (ANA) Masters of Advertising Law Conference took place in sunny Orlando, Florida – aka The Happiest Place on Earth. And what a fitting location to discuss the flurry of activity in the...more
While the modalities of advertising may change, advertising’s core tenant of claims substantiation remains an unwavering constant. As such, legal and regulatory professionals in marketing and advertising set their calendars...more
When the FTC announced it was doing a workshop focused on children’s digital marketing that would be followed by a Staff Report, I was as giddy as a kid on Halloween. But now I feel like I got more tricked than treated,...more
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (“FTC” or “the Commission”) maintains Guides Concerning Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising to “set forth the general principles that the Commission will use in evaluating...more
By Douglas A. Thompson and Sarah Richards1 Testimonials and endorsements, especially those by high-profile celebrities, sports figures, and influencers, can shine a significant spotlight on a company’s products and services....more
FTC Launches Long-Anticipated Trade Regulation Rulemaking on ‘Commercial Surveillance’ and Data Security. On August 11, the FTC issued an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR), titled “Trade Regulation Rule on...more
We are not quite at the Matrix moment of a red pill/blue pill choice yet, but we are moving closer every day to the possibility of a fully immersive virtual world. And the regulators and watchdogs are already thinking...more
On July 26, 2022, the Request for Comment approved by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC or Commission) in May seeking public input on a number of proposed changes to the FTC’s Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and...more
Video games have come a long way from the days of Atari’s Pong; today’s games can contain fully immersive worlds complete with brand partnerships. Video game platforms, such as Roblox, which boasts over 100 million active...more
Last month, as part of BakerHostetler’s “Look Back, Look Ahead: Advertising and Marketing Law in 2021 & 2022” webinar series, partners Craig A. Hoffman and Victoria Weatherford presented on recent trends and predictions on...more
Holland & Knight hosted Michael Ostheimer, a senior attorney for the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), for a webinar presentation on Feb. 16, 2021. Ostheimer has been with the FTC for three decades, currently serving as a...more
FBI Issues Updated Ransomware Guidance - A recent report from New Zealand-based cybersecurity firm Emsisoft has revealed the extent to which ransomware is being used in cyberattacks in the United States. The first 9 months...more
The FTC and many state attorneys general aggressively monitor apps, websites, and internet-connected products for COPPA compliance. In the United States, collecting data directly from children under 13 years of age is...more
LAI Systems, LLC (LAI) and Retro Dreamer agreed to pay civil penalties of a combined $360,000 to settle charges issued by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that they violated the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act...more