The Hidden Cost of Targeted Ads: How Real-Time Bidding Enables Mass Surveillance
Every online ad auction broadcasts personal data about billions of users to thousands of companies, creating a massive surveillance backdoor. From data brokers to government agencies, this system enables widespread tracking and profiling with serious privacy and national security implications.
Federal Court Overturns FCC's Net Neutrality Authority in Landmark Ruling
A federal appeals court has invalidated the FCC's authority to impose net neutrality regulations, ruling that broadband providers fall outside the agency's jurisdiction. The decision, influenced by the Supreme Court's reversal of Chevron deference, effectively ends federal efforts to regulate internet service providers through administrative action.
FTC Cracks Down on AI-Powered Weapons Scanner Maker for Misleading Claims
The Federal Trade Commission orders Evolv Technologies to stop exaggerating its AI-based weapons detection system's capabilities after revealing it performs similarly to standard metal detectors at higher costs. The settlement particularly impacts educational institutions, allowing them to cancel contracts following performance issues and misrepresented claims.
FTC Investigates Microsoft's Federal Cybersecurity Contract Practices for Potential Antitrust Violations
The Federal Trade Commission has launched an investigation into Microsoft's cybersecurity dealings with federal agencies, examining potential antitrust violations in contract procurement. The probe focuses on how Microsoft's free security offerings following the SolarWinds attack led to costly subscription lock-ins for government departments.
Gaming the System: Job Task Scams Drain $220M from Americans in Massive Fraud Wave
The FTC reports a surge in sophisticated job scams using game-like tasks, costing Americans $220M in early 2024 alone. Starting with small payments before pressuring victims to invest, these scams have exploded from zero cases in 2020 to 20,000 complaints this year.
Federal Regulators Launch Major Crackdown on Data Broker Industry
Federal agencies unveil sweeping proposals to restrict how data brokers handle Americans' sensitive personal information, requiring explicit consent and limiting data sharing. The CFPB and FTC actions target companies selling consumer financial and location data, marking a significant step toward enhanced privacy protection.
FTC Cracks Down on Location Data Companies for Unlawful Consumer Surveillance
The Federal Trade Commission has taken enforcement action against Gravy Analytics and Venntel for illegally tracking and selling sensitive location data from billions of mobile devices. The companies face strict prohibitions and must delete previously collected data, with potential fines of over $50,000 per violation.
Smart Device Manufacturers Hide Software Support Details, FTC Study Reveals
A Federal Trade Commission study exposes that 90% of smart device makers fail to properly disclose software update timelines, potentially violating consumer protection laws. The investigation of 184 devices found misleading marketing practices and widespread non-compliance with warranty disclosure requirements.
FTC Strengthens Protections Against Tech Support Scams Targeting Seniors
The Federal Trade Commission has expanded its Telemarketing Sales Rule to combat tech support fraud, particularly schemes targeting older adults who initiate contact. The new rules enable the FTC to take action against scammers regardless of who makes the initial call, as seniors lost $175 million to these scams in 2023.
Microsoft Under FTC Investigation for Cloud Services in Government Contracts
The Federal Trade Commission launches probe into Microsoft's potential anticompetitive practices in cloud computing, focusing on $150 billion government security upgrade deal. Questions arise over contract bidding processes and hidden costs in seemingly generous offerings.