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	<title>FTC Claims &#8211; FTC Guardian</title>
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	<title>FTC Claims &#8211; FTC Guardian</title>
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		<title>The Office Depot case is a cautionary tale</title>
		<link>https://www.ftcguardian.com/articles/the-office-depot-case-is-a-cautionary-tale/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Allyn Cutts]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 02 Jun 2019 12:44:42 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Deceptive Advertising]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[FTC Claims]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[FTC Compliance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Online Security]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Truth In Advertising]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ad Claims]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Federal Trade Commission]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Online Complicance]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.ftcguardian.com/articles/?p=7256</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[The Office Depot case is a cautionary tale By Michelle Singletary The fear of being hacked was allegedly the hook used by Office Depot, its subsidiary OfficeMax, and a California tech-support vendor to dupe customers into paying for computer repairs &#8230;  ]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1 class="headline | bold font_secondary margin_bottom padding_top margin_horizontal_28--mobile ">The Office Depot case is a cautionary tale</h1>
<p>By <a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2019/03/31/office-depot-support-com-pay-settle-charge-they-faked-computer-security-scans/RtcYjjny6GhdL0Cvrcb4NJ/story.html">Michelle Singletary</a></p>
<p>The fear of being hacked was allegedly the hook used by Office Depot, its subsidiary OfficeMax, and a California tech-support vendor to dupe customers into paying for computer repairs and technical services they didn’t need, according to the Federal Trade Commission.</p>
<p><a class="popup_SDLM" data-toggle="modal" data-target="#popup_SDLM_modal" href="#"><img decoding="async" src="/images/button_banner-SDLM.png" alt="" /></a></p>
<p>Although not admitting any wrongdoing, Office Depot and Support.com Inc. have agreed to pay $35 million to settle the claim they deceived customers into believing their computers were infected with malware and vulnerable to other security threats.</p>
<p>The FTC alleged that from at least 2009 to late 2016, the companies would offer customers a free “PC Health Check Program” to determine if their computers had any performance problems.</p>
<p>But the real purpose was to aggressively sell diagnostic and repair services to customers that, in many cases, they didn’t need, according to Claire Wack, the FTC’s lead attorney on the case.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2019/03/31/office-depot-support-com-pay-settle-charge-they-faked-computer-security-scans/RtcYjjny6GhdL0Cvrcb4NJ/story.html">Read the full article here</a>.</p>
<p><a href="http://go.ftcguardian.com/bw4uoy"><img decoding="async" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/ftcguardian/images/728x90-Un-vjy-FTC-GUARDIAN-banner-2.gif" /></a></p>
<h2>Here’s How To Make Sure You, Your Business and Website Are FTC & GDPR Compliant</h2>
<p>By now it should be clear how important it is for you to be FTC compliant. But how can you do that without spending $7,500-$8,000 or more on Internet Attorneys?</p>
<p>Smart business owners around the world are doing it with the help of FTC Guardian.</p>
<p>FTC Guardian is a service that is 100% focused on helping to keep you get and stay FTC & GDPR compliant and fully protected. <a href="https://go.ftcguardian.com/bw4uoy" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">And right now, we are offering free training to give you the knowledge, information, and guidance that you need to stay out of trouble with the Federal Trade Commission and the new GDPR guidelines.</a></p>
<p>Free Compliance Workshop: <a href="https://go.ftcguardian.com/bw4uoy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Join Chip Cooper, Esq., the #1 FTC Compliance & GDPR trainer in the World, for a one-of-kind, completely free online compliance workshop.</strong></a></p>
<p><a href="https://go.ftcguardian.com/bw4uoy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Workshops fill up quickly, so register now.</strong></a></p>
<p>Here are some of the things you’ll discover in the training:</p>
<ul>
<li>Real-Life Examples of People Who Didn’t Think They Were At Risk, But Who Got Nailed By The FTC, And Why It Could Happen To You, Too</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>The 3 Enormous Powers The FTC Has That Can Change Your Life – And Your Family’s Life – Forever!</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>How to Avoid FTC Claims When Collecting Leads With Optin Forms</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>3 Privacy Policy Mistakes Every Digital Marketer Is Making, And Why You’re In The FTC Crosshairs.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>And Much More…</li>
</ul>
<p><b>Remember: legal protection is a massively important part of your business, and it’s one you cannot afford to ignore any longer.</b></p>
<p><a href="https://go.ftcguardian.com/bw4uoy" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Go here to register for our next FREE training and make your business is FTC compliant today!</a></p>
<p><b>Disclaimer:  This article is provided for informational purposes only. It’s not legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created. Neither the author nor FTC Guardian, Inc. is endorsed by the Federal Trade Commission.</b></p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>Snack Subscription Services That Can Leave a Bad Taste</title>
		<link>https://www.ftcguardian.com/articles/snack-subscription-services-that-can-leave-a-bad-taste/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Allyn Cutts]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 30 May 2019 10:38:44 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Deceptive Advertising]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[FTC Claims]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[FTC Compliance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Truth In Advertising]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ad Claims]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Advertising]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Federal Trade Commission]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Membership Websites]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.ftcguardian.com/articles/?p=7269</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Federal Trade Commission Warns of Snack Subscription Services That Can Leave a Bad Taste By Consumer Education Specialist, FTC Food delivery services can be a convenience for people with busy lives. Free trial offers and online reviews can help people decide &#8230;  ]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1>Federal Trade Commission Warns of Snack Subscription Services That Can Leave a Bad Taste</h1>
<div class="details">
<p>By <a href="https://spacecoastdaily.com/2019/04/federal-trade-commission-warns-of-snack-subscription-services-that-can-leave-a-bad-taste/">Consumer Education Specialist, FTC</a></p>
</div>
<p>Food delivery services can be a convenience for people with busy lives. Free trial offers and online reviews can help people decide which service they want to use.</p>
<p><a class="popup_7TLM_Cheat_Sheet" data-toggle="modal" data-target="#popup_7TLM_Cheat_Sheet_modal" href="#"><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="/images/button_banner-7TLM_Cheat_Sheet.png" alt="" /></a></p>
<p>But when reviews are deliberately skewed and subscription terms are hidden, that’s not just unhelpful. It’s against the law.</p>
<p>The FTC announced a settlement with UrthBox, Inc., a California-based food delivery service, and its owner, Behnam Behrouzi.</p>
<p>According to the FTC, UrthBox offered customers incentives, including free snack boxes, to post positive reviews online. But the company didn’t clearly tell people that customers who posted those reviews were rewarded.</p>
<p><a href="https://spacecoastdaily.com/2019/04/federal-trade-commission-warns-of-snack-subscription-services-that-can-leave-a-bad-taste/">Read the full article here</a>.</p>
<p><a href="http://go.ftcguardian.com/bw4uoy"><img decoding="async" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/ftcguardian/images/728x90-Un-vjy-FTC-GUARDIAN-banner-2.gif" /></a></p>
<h2>Here’s How To Make Sure You, Your Business and Website Are FTC & GDPR Compliant</h2>
<p>By now it should be clear how important it is for you to be FTC compliant. But how can you do that without spending $7,500-$8,000 or more on Internet Attorneys?</p>
<p>Smart business owners around the world are doing it with the help of FTC Guardian.</p>
<p>FTC Guardian is a service that is 100% focused on helping to keep you get and stay FTC & GDPR compliant and fully protected. <a href="https://go.ftcguardian.com/bw4uoy" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">And right now, we are offering free training to give you the knowledge, information, and guidance that you need to stay out of trouble with the Federal Trade Commission and the new GDPR guidelines.</a></p>
<p>Free Compliance Workshop: <a href="https://go.ftcguardian.com/bw4uoy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Join Chip Cooper, Esq., the #1 FTC Compliance & GDPR trainer in the World, for a one-of-kind, completely free online compliance workshop.</strong></a></p>
<p><a href="https://go.ftcguardian.com/bw4uoy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Workshops fill up quickly, so register now.</strong></a></p>
<p>Here are some of the things you’ll discover in the training:</p>
<ul>
<li>Real-Life Examples of People Who Didn’t Think They Were At Risk, But Who Got Nailed By The FTC, And Why It Could Happen To You, Too</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>The 3 Enormous Powers The FTC Has That Can Change Your Life – And Your Family’s Life – Forever!</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>How to Avoid FTC Claims When Collecting Leads With Optin Forms</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>3 Privacy Policy Mistakes Every Digital Marketer Is Making, And Why You’re In The FTC Crosshairs.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>And Much More…</li>
</ul>
<p><b>Remember: legal protection is a massively important part of your business, and it’s one you cannot afford to ignore any longer.</b></p>
<p><a href="https://go.ftcguardian.com/bw4uoy" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Go here to register for our next FREE training and make your business is FTC compliant today!</a></p>
<p><b>Disclaimer:  This article is provided for informational purposes only. It’s not legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created. Neither the author nor FTC Guardian, Inc. is endorsed by the Federal Trade Commission.</b></p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>The FTC is challenging fake Amazon reviews</title>
		<link>https://www.ftcguardian.com/articles/the-ftc-is-challenging-fake-amazon-reviews/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Allyn Cutts]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 01 Mar 2019 04:36:56 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Deceptive Advertising]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[FTC Compliance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Compliance FTC]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Federal Trade Commission]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[FTC]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[FTC Claims]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.ftcguardian.com/articles/?p=7137</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[The FTC is challenging fake Amazon reviews By Daniel Keyes The FTC targeted Cure Encapsulations, Inc. which sells a weight-loss supplement that is incorrectly associated with weight loss and poses medical risks, according to The Verge and its owner for their actions &#8230;  ]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<section class="post-headline-wrapper">
<h1 class="post-headline ">The FTC is challenging fake Amazon reviews</h1>
<p>By <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ftc-challenges-fake-amazon-reviews-2019-2">Daniel Keyes</a></p>
<p>The FTC targeted Cure Encapsulations, Inc. which sells a weight-loss supplement that is incorrectly associated with weight loss and poses medical risks, according to The Verge and its owner for their actions on Amazon's marketplace.</p>
<p><a class="popup_SDLM" data-toggle="modal" data-target="#popup_SDLM_modal" href="#"><img decoding="async" src="/images/button_banner-SDLM.png" alt="" /></a></p>
<p>The company allegedly paid Amazonverifiedreviews.com to post fake reviews of its product to ensure it had a 4.3 out of a 5-star rating on Amazon. The paid 5-star reviews made &#8220;false and unsubstantiated claims&#8221; and were from fabricated consumers, drawing the ire of the FTC.</p>
<p>The FTC's complaint was filed on February 19 and a settlement has been reached that requires Cure Encapsulations to only make claims about products with suitable evidence.</p>
<p>Read the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ftc-challenges-fake-amazon-reviews-2019-2">full article here</a>.</p>
<p><a href="http://go.ftcguardian.com/bw4uoy"><img decoding="async" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/ftcguardian/images/728x90-Un-vjy-FTC-GUARDIAN-banner-2.gif" /></a></p>
<h2>Here’s How To Make Sure You, Your Business and Website Are FTC & GDPR Compliant</h2>
<p>By now it should be clear how important it is for you to be FTC compliant. But how can you do that without spending $7,500-$8,000 or more on Internet Attorneys?</p>
<p>Smart business owners around the world are doing it with the help of FTC Guardian.</p>
<p>FTC Guardian is a service that is 100% focused on helping to keep you get and stay FTC & GDPR compliant and fully protected. <a href="https://go.ftcguardian.com/bw4uoy" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">And right now, we are offering a free training to give you the knowledge, information, and guidance that you need to stay out of trouble with the Federal Trade Commission and the new GDPR guidelines.</a></p>
<p>Free Compliance Workshop: <a href="https://go.ftcguardian.com/bw4uoy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Join Chip Cooper, Esq., the #1 FTC Compliance & GDPR trainer in the World, for a one-of-kind, completely free online compliance workshop.</strong></a></p>
<p><a href="https://go.ftcguardian.com/bw4uoy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Workshops fill up quickly, so register now.</strong></a></p>
<p>Here are some of the things you’ll discover on the training:</p>
<ul>
<li>Real-Life Examples of People Who Didn’t Think They Were At Risk, But Who Got Nailed By The FTC, And Why It Could Happen To You, Too</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>The 3 Enormous Powers The FTC Has That Can Change Your Life – And Your Family’s Life – Forever!</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>How to Avoid FTC Claims When Collecting Leads With Optin Forms</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>3 Privacy Policy Mistakes Every Digital Marketer Is Making, And Why You’re In The FTC Crosshairs.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>And Much More…</li>
</ul>
<p><b>Remember: legal protection is a massively important part of your business, and it’s one you cannot afford to ignore any longer.</b></p>
<p><a href="https://go.ftcguardian.com/bw4uoy" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Go here to register for our next FREE training and make your business is FTC compliant today!</a></p>
<p><b>Disclaimer:  This article is provided for informational purposes only. It’s not legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created. Neither the author nor FTC Guardian, Inc. is endorsed by the Federal Trade Commission.</b></p>
</section>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>At Least One Iowan Impacted by Insurance Provider the FTC Calls ‘Sham’</title>
		<link>https://www.ftcguardian.com/articles/at-least-one-iowan-impacted-by-insurance-provider-the-ftc-calls-sham/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Allyn Cutts]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 19 Feb 2019 23:35:17 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[FTC Claims]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[FTC Compliance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Compliance FTC]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Federal Trade Commission]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[FTC]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[FTC. Federal Trade Commission]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Terms and Service]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.ftcguardian.com/articles/?p=7110</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[At Least One Iowan Impacted by Insurance Provider the FTC Calls ‘Sham’ By Ben Oldach At least one Iowa man thinking he's getting health insurance has fallen victim to what the Federal Trade Commission calls a “deceptive scheme”. According to &#8230;  ]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1>At Least One Iowan Impacted by Insurance Provider the FTC Calls ‘Sham’</h1>
<p>By <a href="https://whotv.com/2019/02/13/at-least-one-iowan-impacted-by-insurance-provider-the-ftc-calls-sham/">Ben Oldach</a></p>
<p>At least one Iowa man thinking he's getting health insurance has fallen victim to what the Federal Trade Commission calls a “deceptive scheme”.</p>
<p><a class="popup_7TLM_Cheat_Sheet" data-toggle="modal" data-target="#popup_7TLM_Cheat_Sheet_modal" href="#"><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="/images/button_banner-7TLM_Cheat_Sheet.png" alt="" /></a></p>
<p>According to the FTC, a Florida operation called Simple Health Plans LLC was temporarily halted by a judge on their behalf.  The group allegedly collected more than 100 million dollars in health insurance plans that effectively left patients uninsured.</p>
<p>Simple Health LLC allegedly brought in consumers through fake websites like trumpcarequotes.com and simplemedicareplans.com.</p>
<p>Read the <a href="https://whotv.com/2019/02/13/at-least-one-iowan-impacted-by-insurance-provider-the-ftc-calls-sham/">full article here</a>.</p>
<p><a href="http://go.ftcguardian.com/bw4uoy"><img decoding="async" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/ftcguardian/images/728x90-Un-vjy-FTC-GUARDIAN-banner-2.gif" /></a></p>
<h2>Here’s How To Make Sure You, Your Business and Website Are FTC & GDPR Compliant</h2>
<p>By now it should be clear how important it is for you to be FTC compliant. But how can you do that without spending $7,500-$8,000 or more on Internet Attorneys?</p>
<p>Smart business owners around the world are doing it with the help of FTC Guardian.</p>
<p>FTC Guardian is a service that is 100% focused on helping to keep you get and stay FTC & GDPR compliant and fully protected. <a href="https://go.ftcguardian.com/bw4uoy" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">And right now, we are offering a free training to give you the knowledge, information, and guidance that you need to stay out of trouble with the Federal Trade Commission and the new GDPR guidelines.</a></p>
<p>Free Compliance Workshop: <a href="https://go.ftcguardian.com/bw4uoy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Join Chip Cooper, Esq., the #1 FTC Compliance & GDPR trainer in the World, for a one-of-kind, completely free online compliance workshop.</strong></a></p>
<p><a href="https://go.ftcguardian.com/bw4uoy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Workshops fill up quickly, so register now.</strong></a></p>
<p>Here are some of the things you’ll discover on the training:</p>
<ul>
<li>Real-Life Examples of People Who Didn’t Think They Were At Risk, But Who Got Nailed By The FTC, And Why It Could Happen To You, Too</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>The 3 Enormous Powers The FTC Has That Can Change Your Life – And Your Family’s Life – Forever!</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>How to Avoid FTC Claims When Collecting Leads With Optin Forms</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>3 Privacy Policy Mistakes Every Digital Marketer Is Making, And Why You’re In The FTC Crosshairs.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>And Much More…</li>
</ul>
<p><b>Remember: legal protection is a massively important part of your business, and it’s one you cannot afford to ignore any longer.</b></p>
<p><a href="https://go.ftcguardian.com/bw4uoy" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Go here to register for our next FREE training and make your business is FTC compliant today!</a></p>
<p><b>Disclaimer:  This article is provided for informational purposes only. It’s not legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created. Neither the author nor FTC Guardian, Inc. is endorsed by the Federal Trade Commission.</b></p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>Experts warn of scams during tax season</title>
		<link>https://www.ftcguardian.com/articles/experts-warn-of-scams-during-tax-season/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Allyn Cutts]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 06 Feb 2019 23:01:52 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[FTC Claims]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[FTC Compliance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Compliance FTC]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Data Privacy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Federal Trade Commission]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[FTC]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.ftcguardian.com/articles/?p=7069</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Experts warn of scams during tax season By Amy Kawata Tax season is underway. While many people are preparing to file, one thing they might not be accounting for are scammers that could be attempting to steal their next victim’s &#8230;  ]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="text-align-left card-content">
<h1 class="spaced spaced-xs spaced-top spaced-bottom">Experts warn of scams during tax season</h1>
<p>By <a href="http://www.wmbfnews.com/2019/02/05/experts-warn-scams-during-tax-season/">Amy Kawata</a></p>
<div class="card collection-item " data-type="text">
<div class="card-content card-article">
<p>Tax season is underway. While many people are preparing to file, one thing they might not be accounting for are scammers that could be attempting to steal their next victim’s refund. This is the time of year scammers are out in full-force targeting the vulnerable.</p>
<p><a class="popup_DATA_BROKER" data-toggle="modal" data-target="#popup_DATA_BROKER_modal" href="#"><img decoding="async" src="/images/button_banner-Data_Broker.png" alt="" /></a></p>
<p>Tax professionals say scammers are constantly finding new ways to steal your money. Now they say you should watch out for IRS scam letters in the mail. At first look, it may seem legit. The letter asks for money, but with the wrong information.</p>
<p>Experts say anyone is at risk of these scams. If you think your information has been at risk from one of these scams, you should immediately file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission, contact your local police department and report it to the IRS.</p>
<p>Read the <a href="http://www.wmbfnews.com/2019/02/05/experts-warn-scams-during-tax-season/">full article here</a>.</p>
<p><a href="http://go.ftcguardian.com/bw4uoy"><img decoding="async" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/ftcguardian/images/728x90-Un-vjy-FTC-GUARDIAN-banner-2.gif" /></a></p>
<h2>Here’s How To Make Sure You, Your Business and Website Are FTC & GDPR Compliant</h2>
<p>By now it should be clear how important it is for you to be FTC compliant. But how can you do that without spending $7,500-$8,000 or more on Internet Attorneys?</p>
<p>Smart business owners around the world are doing it with the help of FTC Guardian.</p>
<p>FTC Guardian is a service that is 100% focused on helping to keep you get and stay FTC & GDPR compliant and fully protected. <a href="https://go.ftcguardian.com/bw4uoy" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">And right now, we are offering a free training to give you the knowledge, information, and guidance that you need to stay out of trouble with the Federal Trade Commission and the new GDPR guidelines.</a></p>
<p>Free Compliance Workshop: <a href="https://go.ftcguardian.com/bw4uoy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Join Chip Cooper, Esq., the #1 FTC Compliance & GDPR trainer in the World, for a one-of-kind, completely free online compliance workshop.</strong></a></p>
<p><a href="https://go.ftcguardian.com/bw4uoy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Workshops fill up quickly, so register now.</strong></a></p>
<p>Here are some of the things you’ll discover on the training:</p>
<ul>
<li>Real-Life Examples of People Who Didn’t Think They Were At Risk, But Who Got Nailed By The FTC, And Why It Could Happen To You, Too</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>The 3 Enormous Powers The FTC Has That Can Change Your Life – And Your Family’s Life – Forever!</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>How to Avoid FTC Claims When Collecting Leads With Optin Forms</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>3 Privacy Policy Mistakes Every Digital Marketer Is Making, And Why You’re In The FTC Crosshairs.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>And Much More…</li>
</ul>
<p><b>Remember: legal protection is a massively important part of your business, and it’s one you cannot afford to ignore any longer.</b></p>
<p><a href="https://go.ftcguardian.com/bw4uoy" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Go here to register for our next FREE training and make your business is FTC compliant today!</a></p>
<p><b>Disclaimer:  This article is provided for informational purposes only. It’s not legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created. Neither the author nor FTC Guardian, Inc. is endorsed by the Federal Trade Commission.</b></p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
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		<title>Federal Trade Commission Chairman Pledges to Investigate Video Game Loot Boxes</title>
		<link>https://www.ftcguardian.com/articles/federal-trade-commission-chairman-pledges-to-investigate-video-game-loot-boxes/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Allyn Cutts]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 04 Dec 2018 10:46:07 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Deceptive Advertising]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[FTC Claims]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ad Claims]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[App Disclosures]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Apps]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Branding]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Compliance FTC]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Federal Trade Commission]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.ftcguardian.com/articles/?p=6911</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Federal Trade Commission Chairman Pledges to Investigate Video Game Loot Boxes By Brian Crecente FTC chairman Joseph Simons on Tuesday said he would investigate video game loot boxes to ensure that children are being protected and parents are educated on &#8230;  ]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1>Federal Trade Commission Chairman Pledges to Investigate Video Game Loot Boxes</h1>
<p>By <a href="https://variety.com/2018/gaming/news/ftc-loot-box-investigation-1203038178/">Brian Crecente</a></p>
<p>FTC chairman Joseph Simons on Tuesday said he would investigate video game loot boxes to ensure that children are being protected and parents are educated on the matter.</p>
<p>The request comes about nine months after Hassan sent a letter to the Entertainment Software Ratings Board asking for the group to review the rating process as it relates to loot boxes, examine the marketing of loot boxes to children, and put together best practices for developers around the toxic form of microtransactions. The senator also asked the board to conduct a study that further delves into the reach and impact of loot boxes in games. At the time, she said if they didn’t take sufficient action she would ask the FTC to get involved.</p>
<p><a class="popup_SDLM" data-toggle="modal" data-target="#popup_SDLM_modal" href="#"><img decoding="async" src="/images/button_banner-SDLM.png" alt="" /></a></p>
<p>“Loot boxes are now endemic in the video game industry and are present in everything from casual smartphone games to the newest, high-budget video game releases. Loot boxes will represent a $50 billion industry by the year 2022, according to the latest research estimates. Children may be particularly susceptible to engaging with these in-game purchases, which are often considered integral components of video games. Just this month Great Britain’s gambling commission released a report finding that 30% of children have used loot boxes in video games. The report further found that this exposure may correlate with a rise of young problem gamblers in the United Kingdom. Belgium, Netherlands, and Japan have moved to regulate the use of loot boxes in video games given this close link to gambling.</p>
<p><a href="https://variety.com/2018/gaming/news/ftc-loot-box-investigation-1203038178/">Read the full article here</a>.</p>
<p><a href="http://go.ftcguardian.com/bw4uoy"><img decoding="async" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/ftcguardian/images/728x90-Un-vjy-FTC-GUARDIAN-banner-2.gif" /></a></p>
<h2>Here’s How To Make Sure You, Your Business and Website Are FTC & GDPR Compliant</h2>
<p>By now it should be clear how important it is for you to be FTC compliant. But how can you do that without spending $7,500-$8,000 or more on Internet Attorneys?</p>
<p>Smart business owners around the world are doing it with the help of FTC Guardian.</p>
<p>FTC Guardian is a service that is 100% focused on helping to keep you get and stay FTC & GDPR compliant and fully protected. <a href="https://go.ftcguardian.com/bw4uoy" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">And right now, we are offering a free training to give you the knowledge, information, and guidance that you need to stay out of trouble with the Federal Trade Commission and the new GDPR guidelines.</a></p>
<p>Free Compliance Workshop: <a href="https://go.ftcguardian.com/bw4uoy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Join Chip Cooper, Esq., the #1 FTC Compliance & GDPR trainer in the World, for a one-of-kind, completely free online compliance workshop.</strong></a></p>
<p><a href="https://go.ftcguardian.com/bw4uoy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Workshops fill up quickly, so register now.</strong></a></p>
<p>Here are some of the things you’ll discover on the training:</p>
<ul>
<li>Real-Life Examples of People Who Didn’t Think They Were At Risk, But Who Got Nailed By The FTC, And Why It Could Happen To You, Too</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>The 3 Enormous Powers The FTC Has That Can Change Your Life – And Your Family’s Life – Forever!</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>How to Avoid FTC Claims When Collecting Leads With Optin Forms</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>3 Privacy Policy Mistakes Every Digital Marketer Is Making, And Why You’re In The FTC Crosshairs.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>And Much More…</li>
</ul>
<p><b>Remember: legal protection is a massively important part of your business, and it’s one you cannot afford to ignore any longer.</b></p>
<p><a href="https://go.ftcguardian.com/bw4uoy" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Go here to register for our next FREE training and make your business is FTC compliant today!</a></p>
<p><b>Disclaimer:  This article is provided for informational purposes only. It’s not legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created. Neither the author nor FTC Guardian, Inc. is endorsed by the Federal Trade Commission.</b></p>
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		<item>
		<title>FTC reaches $11M settlement with get-rich-quick scammers targeting Amazon</title>
		<link>https://www.ftcguardian.com/articles/ftc-reaches-11m-settlement-with-get-rich-quick-scammers-targeting-amazon/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Allyn Cutts]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 29 Jul 2018 12:46:32 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[FTC Claims]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[FTC Compliance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Truth In Advertising]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ad Claims]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Federal Trade Commission]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Online Complicance]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.ftcguardian.com/articles/?p=6663</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[By Ben Fox Rubin The Federal Trade Commission has reached a $10.8 million settlement with two brothers who allegedly scammed prospective Amazon sellers for years with bogus coaching advice. Adam and Christopher Bowser, who live in Massachusetts, agreed to the &#8230;  ]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="details">
<p>By <a href="https://www.cnet.com/news/ftc-gets-11m-settlement-from-get-rich-quick-scammers-targeting-amazon/">Ben Fox Rubin</a></p>
<p>The Federal Trade Commission has reached a $10.8 million settlement with two brothers who allegedly scammed prospective Amazon sellers for years with bogus coaching advice.</p>
<p><a class="popup_BIG_DATA" data-toggle="modal" data-target="#popup_BIG_DATA_modal" href="#"><img decoding="async" src="/images/button_banner-Big_Data_Report.png" alt="" /></a></p>
<p>Adam and Christopher Bowser, who live in Massachusetts, agreed to the settlement after the FTC charged the brothers in March. The federal watchdog alleged the two were running the scam using their business, FBA Stores. Jody Marshall, who is listed as a coach for the Bowsers' business, was also part of the settlement. The agency will work to give back payments to those harmed by the scam.</p>
<p>As part of the settlement, the defendants neither admitted nor denied the allegations against them and got the bulk of a $102 million judgment against them suspended. They were also barred from future business coaching.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.cnet.com/news/ftc-gets-11m-settlement-from-get-rich-quick-scammers-targeting-amazon/">Read the full article here.</a></p>
<p><a href="http://go.ftcguardian.com/bw4uoy"><img decoding="async" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/ftcguardian/images/728x90-Un-vjy-FTC-GUARDIAN-banner-2.gif" /></a></p>
<h2>Here’s How To Make Sure You, Your Business and Website Are FTC & GDPR Compliant</h2>
<p>By now it should be clear how important it is for you to be FTC compliant. But how can you do that without spending $7,500-$8,000 or more on Internet Attorneys?</p>
<p>Smart business owners around the world are doing it with the help of FTC Guardian.</p>
<p>FTC Guardian is a service that is 100% focused on helping to keep you get and stay FTC & GDPR compliant and fully protected. <a href="https://go.ftcguardian.com/bw4uoy" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">And right now, we are offering a free training to give you the knowledge, information, and guidance that you need to stay out of trouble with the Federal Trade Commission and the new GDPR guidelines.</a></p>
<p>Free Compliance Workshop: <a href="https://go.ftcguardian.com/bw4uoy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Join Chip Cooper, Esq., the #1 FTC Compliance & GDPR trainer in the World, for a one-of-kind, completely free online compliance workshop.</strong></a></p>
<p><a href="https://go.ftcguardian.com/bw4uoy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Workshops fill up quickly, so register now.</strong></a></p>
<p>Here are some of the things you’ll discover on the training:</p>
<ul>
<li>Real-Life Examples of People Who Didn’t Think They Were At Risk, But Who Got Nailed By The FTC, And Why It Could Happen To You, Too</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>The 3 Enormous Powers The FTC Has That Can Change Your Life – And Your Family’s Life – Forever!</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>How to Avoid FTC Claims When Collecting Leads With Optin Forms</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>3 Privacy Policy Mistakes Every Digital Marketer Is Making, And Why You’re In The FTC Crosshairs.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>And Much More…</li>
</ul>
<p><b>Remember: legal protection is a massively important part of your business, and it’s one you cannot afford to ignore any longer.</b></p>
<p><a href="https://go.ftcguardian.com/bw4uoy" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Go here to register for our next FREE training and make your business is FTC compliant today!</a></p>
<p><b>Disclaimer:  This article is provided for informational purposes only. It’s not legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created. Neither the author nor FTC Guardian, Inc. is endorsed by the Federal Trade Commission.</b></p>
</div>
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		<item>
		<title>Oklahoma, Volkswagen settle suit related to deceptive advertising, attorney general announces</title>
		<link>https://www.ftcguardian.com/articles/oklahoma-volkswagen-settle-suit-related-to-deceptive-advertising-attorney-general-announces/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Allyn Cutts]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 29 Jul 2018 12:37:15 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Deceptive Advertising]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[FTC Claims]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[FTC Compliance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Truth In Advertising]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Advertising]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Federal Trade Commission]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.ftcguardian.com/articles/?p=6661</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Oklahoma, Volkswagen settle suit related to deceptive advertising, attorney general announces By Jack Money Attorney General Mike Hunter announced that an $8.5 million settlement has been reached between the state, Volkswagen and related auto manufacturers in a case that accused &#8230;  ]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1 class="text-serif m-0">Oklahoma, Volkswagen settle suit related to deceptive advertising, attorney general announces</h1>
<p>By <a href="https://newsok.com/article/5597217/oklahoma-volkswagen-settle-suit-related-to-deceptive-advertising-attorney-general-announces">Jack Money</a></p>
<p>Attorney General Mike Hunter announced that an $8.5 million settlement has been reached between the state, Volkswagen and related auto manufacturers in a case that accused the carmakers of false and deceptive advertising.</p>
<p>Oklahoma filed its lawsuit against the companies after a federal investigation found Volkswagen had deliberately installed software in diesel vehicles that aimed to cheat laboratory emissions tests.</p>
<p><a class="popup_SDLM" data-toggle="modal" data-target="#popup_SDLM_modal" href="#"><img decoding="async" src="/images/button_banner-SDLM.png" alt="" /></a></p>
<p>Investigators found the vehicles emitted as much as 40 times the amount of allowable nitrogen oxide under U.S. standards during real-world driving conditions.</p>
<p>“VW purposefully misled consumers in one of the most egregious cases of false advertising the automobile industry has ever seen,” Hunter stated in a release announcing the settlement.</p>
<p><a href="https://newsok.com/article/5597217/oklahoma-volkswagen-settle-suit-related-to-deceptive-advertising-attorney-general-announces">Read the full article here</a>.</p>
<h2>Here’s How To Make Sure You, Your Business and Website Are FTC & GDPR Compliant</h2>
<p><a href="http://go.ftcguardian.com/bw4uoy"><img decoding="async" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/ftcguardian/images/728x90-Un-vjy-FTC-GUARDIAN-banner-2.gif" /></a></p>
<p>By now it should be clear how important it is for you to be FTC compliant. But how can you do that without spending $7,500-$8,000 or more on Internet Attorneys?</p>
<p>Smart business owners around the world are doing it with the help of FTC Guardian.</p>
<p>FTC Guardian is a service that is 100% focused on helping to keep you get and stay FTC & GDPR compliant and fully protected. <a href="https://go.ftcguardian.com/bw4uoy" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">And right now, we are offering a free training to give you the knowledge, information, and guidance that you need to stay out of trouble with the Federal Trade Commission and the new GDPR guidelines.</a></p>
<p>Free Compliance Workshop: <a href="https://go.ftcguardian.com/bw4uoy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Join Chip Cooper, Esq., the #1 FTC Compliance & GDPR trainer in the World, for a one-of-kind, completely free online compliance workshop.</strong></a></p>
<p><a href="https://go.ftcguardian.com/bw4uoy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Workshops fill up quickly, so register now.</strong></a></p>
<p>Here are some of the things you’ll discover on the training:</p>
<ul>
<li>Real-Life Examples of People Who Didn’t Think They Were At Risk, But Who Got Nailed By The FTC, And Why It Could Happen To You, Too</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>The 3 Enormous Powers The FTC Has That Can Change Your Life – And Your Family’s Life – Forever!</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>How to Avoid FTC Claims When Collecting Leads With Optin Forms</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>3 Privacy Policy Mistakes Every Digital Marketer Is Making, And Why You’re In The FTC Crosshairs.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>And Much More…</li>
</ul>
<p><b>Remember: legal protection is a massively important part of your business, and it’s one you cannot afford to ignore any longer.</b></p>
<p><a href="https://go.ftcguardian.com/bw4uoy" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Go here to register for our next FREE training and make your business is FTC compliant today!</a></p>
<p><b>Disclaimer:  This article is provided for informational purposes only. It’s not legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created. Neither the author nor FTC Guardian, Inc. is endorsed by the Federal Trade Commission.</b></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			</item>
		<item>
		<title>These bedbug treatments were bogus &#8212; the refunds are real</title>
		<link>https://www.ftcguardian.com/articles/these-bedbug-treatments-were-bogus-the-refunds-are-real/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Allyn Cutts]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 14 Jul 2018 14:07:45 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Deceptive Advertising]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[FTC Compliance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ad Claims]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Advertising]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Federal Trade Commission]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[FTC Claims]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Truth In Advertising]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.ftcguardian.com/articles/?p=6667</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[These bedbug treatments were bogus &#8212; the refunds are real By Katie Gibson When it comes to eradicating a company's bogus pest-control claims, the Federal Trade Commission is finding one particular producer of &#8220;natural&#8221; pesticides to be a recurring nuisance. &#8230;  ]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1 class="title">These bedbug treatments were bogus &#8212; the refunds are real</h1>
<p>By <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/these-bedbug-treatments-were-bogus-the-refunds-are-real/">Katie Gibson</a></p>
<p>When it comes to eradicating a company's bogus pest-control claims, the Federal Trade Commission is finding one particular producer of &#8220;natural&#8221; pesticides to be a recurring nuisance.</p>
<p>Five years after agreeing to a consent order settling an FTC complaint about deceptively marketed bedbug and head-lice products, Chemical Free Solutions, or CFS, has reached another settlement.</p>
<p><a class="popup_SDLM" data-toggle="modal" data-target="#popup_SDLM_modal" href="#"><img decoding="async" src="/images/button_banner-SDLM.png" alt="" /></a></p>
<p>Beyond acknowledging it violated the 2013 order, the company is banned from selling eradication products, and it will have to make refunds to consumers, the FTC said in its latest settlement with CFS.</p>
<p>Read the full article <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/these-bedbug-treatments-were-bogus-the-refunds-are-real/">here</a>.</p>
<p><a href="http://go.ftcguardian.com/bw4uoy"><img decoding="async" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/ftcguardian/images/728x90-Un-vjy-FTC-GUARDIAN-banner-2.gif" /></a></p>
<h2>Here’s How To Make Sure You, Your Business and Website Are FTC & GDPR Compliant</h2>
<p>By now it should be clear how important it is for you to be FTC compliant. But how can you do that without spending $7,500-$8,000 or more on Internet Attorneys?</p>
<p>Smart business owners around the world are doing it with the help of FTC Guardian.</p>
<p>FTC Guardian is a service that is 100% focused on helping to keep you get and stay FTC & GDPR compliant and fully protected. <a href="https://go.ftcguardian.com/bw4uoy" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">And right now, we are offering a free training to give you the knowledge, information, and guidance that you need to stay out of trouble with the Federal Trade Commission and the new GDPR guidelines.</a></p>
<p>Free Compliance Workshop: <a href="https://go.ftcguardian.com/bw4uoy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Join Chip Cooper, Esq., the #1 FTC Compliance & GDPR trainer in the World, for a one-of-kind, completely free online compliance workshop.</strong></a></p>
<p><a href="https://go.ftcguardian.com/bw4uoy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Workshops fill up quickly, so register now.</strong></a></p>
<p>Here are some of the things you’ll discover on the training:</p>
<ul>
<li>Real-Life Examples of People Who Didn’t Think They Were At Risk, But Who Got Nailed By The FTC, And Why It Could Happen To You, Too</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>The 3 Enormous Powers The FTC Has That Can Change Your Life – And Your Family’s Life – Forever!</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>How to Avoid FTC Claims When Collecting Leads With Optin Forms</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>3 Privacy Policy Mistakes Every Digital Marketer Is Making, And Why You’re In The FTC Crosshairs.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>And Much More…</li>
</ul>
<p><b>Remember: legal protection is a massively important part of your business, and it’s one you cannot afford to ignore any longer.</b></p>
<p><a href="https://go.ftcguardian.com/bw4uoy" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Go here to register for our next FREE training and make your business is FTC compliant today!</a></p>
<p><b>Disclaimer:  This article is provided for informational purposes only. It’s not legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created. Neither the author nor FTC Guardian, Inc. is endorsed by the Federal Trade Commission.</b></p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>Why Your Quebec Small Business Must Comply with New FTC and GDPR Data Protection Regulations… Before It’s Too Late!</title>
		<link>https://www.ftcguardian.com/articles/ftc-gdpr-compliance/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Allyn Cutts]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 19 Jun 2018 00:12:45 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[FTC Compliance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[FTC Disclosure]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[GDPR]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Data Privacy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Federal Trade Commission]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[FTC Claims]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[FTC Online Advertising]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[FTC. Federal Trade Commission]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Online Complicance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Privacy Policy]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.ftcguardian.com/articles/?p=6585</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Business Brief By Chip Cooper, Esq &#124; Let's say, you’re the owner of a small online business in , , and you’re vaguely familiar with FTC regulations affecting ad claims, testimonials, and substantiation. But, are you up to date with &#8230;  ]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Quebec Business Brief</strong><br />
By Chip Cooper, Esq | March 14, 2025 05:59 AM
<p>Let's say, you’re the owner of a small online business in Montreal, Quebec, and you’re vaguely familiar with FTC regulations affecting ad claims, testimonials, and substantiation. But, are you up to date with the latest regulations that went into effect just <strong>last few month</strong>, that <u>every Quebec small business that has a website must comply with?</u></p>
<p>Probably not, unless you visited an internet compliance attorney recently.</p>
<p>And, do you understand that the FTC is now focusing on data protection, even for small online businesses? Also, do you really understand how the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) may regulate your online business, and subject you to massive fines?</p>
<p><strong>Why You and Other Quebec Businesses Can’t Fly Under the Radar Any More</strong></p>
<p>Just a few years ago, the FTC focused primarily on big businesses. Many small online businesses believed they could “fly under the radar”, so to speak. They believed they could operate without the level of scrutiny reserved for the big players.</p>
<p><a class="popup_DATA_BROKER" data-toggle="modal" data-target="#popup_DATA_BROKER_modal" href="#"><img decoding="async" src="/images/button_banner-Data_Broker.png" alt="" /></a></p>
<p>In 2014, this changed.</p>
<p>In 2014, the FTC brought several enforcement actions that illustrate the shift to enforcement actions against small businesses. One target was Apply Knowledge, a small online business which the FTC alleged was involved in deceptive testimonials. The enforcement action also named Apply Knowledge’s officers as defendants.</p>
<p><strong>The result:</strong> a $500,000 settlement. <u>Both the business and its officers were jointly and severally liable</u>. It was a big hit against the officers’ personal assets.</p>
<p>In 2017 with its Operation Tech Trap, the FTC demonstrated the power of one of its most effective, new enforcement tools. Begun in 1997, the FTC’s Consumer Sentinel database was reaching critical mass due to the massive number of consumer complaints in <u>Quebec</u>, many of which involved complaints against small online businesses.</p>
<p>Using Consumer Sentinel, the FTC coordinated over 40 law enforcement agencies at the federal and state levels, including the U.S. Department of Justice, with enforcement actions against small tech support companies that were allegedly involved in deceptive marketing practices.</p>
<p><strong>The FTC Has Continued the Trend Regarding Small Online Businesses with Data Protection Regulation</strong></p>
<p>Over the last few years, the FTC has brought over 500 enforcement actions involving privacy claims and over 50 enforcement actions involving data security claims. Although, most of these claims were against relatively big companies in Quebec.</p>
<p>It didn’t take long for the FTC to shift its focus to small business, including several businesses regarding data protection.</p>
<p>In 2017, the FTC hosted small business owners in a series of public roundtable discussions across the United States for purposes of discussing the most pressing challenges small businesses face in protecting the security of their computers and networks.</p>
<p>“The FTC has been a leader in guiding businesses of all sizes on how to protect the data in their care,” Acting Chairman Ohlhausen said. “Companies with only a few employees face unique challenges when it comes to cybersecurity. We’ll use what we learn in the roundtables to tailor our practical resource materials for small businesses.”</p>
<p>Not only did the FTC learn how to tailor resources for small business owners, it also clearly communicated via the FTC website precisely what the FTC requires small business to do. According to the FTC website:</p>
<p>“Many companies keep sensitive personal information about customers or employees in their files or on their network. Having a <u>sound security plan</u> in place to collect, only what you need, keep it safe, and dispose of it securely, can help you meet your <u>legal obligations</u> to protect that sensitive data”. (emphasis supplied).</p>
<p>Have you kept up to date with the latest fines the FTC has issued Facebook? <b>Facebook</b> was hit with $5-billion federal <b>fine</b> for privacy violations&#8230;</p>
<p>This is going to have a huge trickle down effect for ALL small businesses.</p>
<p>So, the FTC has now spoken directly to small business owners that data protection regulations apply to them as well as to the big players. And a fundamental element in a sound security plan is a Data Security Policy for your business.</p>
<p><strong>The Europeans Enter the Fray Regarding Data Protection with GDPR, and Now California Has Just Passed a Similar Regulation</strong></p>
<p>Effective on May 25, 2018, GDPR ushered in new legislation designed to give European Union (EU) residents (data subjects) significantly more control over their personal data. GDPR regulations bring tough, new requirements affecting personal data, consent, privacy, and security.</p>
<p>The catch is that GDPR affects U.S.-based companies of all sizes, even if the U.S. companies don’t have a presence in the EU.  All that’s required for GDPR to regulate your business, is that your business processes personal data of EU data subjects.</p>
<p>Depending on circumstances, you could be regulated by GDPR as a data “controller” if you collect personal data directly from EU data subjects. GDPR may also apply to you as a data “processor” if you receive and process personal data indirectly from a controller, such as for example from your customers.</p>
<p>And you could also be regulated as both as a controller and a processor depending on how you collect and process personal data of EU data subjects.</p>
<p><a href="http://go.ftcguardian.com/bw4uoy"><img decoding="async" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/ftcguardian/images/728x90-Un-vjy-FTC-GUARDIAN-banner-2.gif" /></a></p>
<p>The big concern regarding GDPR regulation for businesses in Quebec, of all sizes, are the consequences for non-compliance. Controllers and processors that are not GDPR compliant could be liable for administrative fines up to (i) 20 million Euros (approximately $25 million), or (ii) 4 percent of annual gross revenues, whichever is <em>higher. </em></p>
<p>Processors are subject to liability to controllers for failure to comply with their contractual obligations to their controllers under the relevant controller-processor agreement, including liability to the controller for the actions or inactions of any sub-processor appointed by the processor.</p>
<p>In addition, individual EU data subjects will be able to take action and claim damages where they have suffered “material or immaterial damage&#8221; (i) by controller non-compliance, or (ii) by a processor’s failure to perform its obligations under a controller-processor agreement. In addition, data subjects may file legal claims for damages directly against processors that have breached any lawful instructions by the controller.</p>
<p>And there’s another little-known consequence of non-compliance at this time: the negative public relations effect on your business. Many small businesses are reporting that their customers and prospects are asking if they’re GDPR compliant.</p>
<p>Due to the overwhelming amount of press coverage regarding GDPR and the massive amount of emails from businesses reporting GDPR-compliant privacy policies, your customers know that GDPR compliance is a sign that you’re taking data protection seriously, even if you’re not regulated by GDPR. Failure to embrace GDPR could lead to a critical decrease in trust and confidence in your business.</p>
<p><strong>Bottomline&#8230;</strong></p>
<p>Small businesses are at significant risk – both for enforcement actions with significant fines and with the negative public relations image associated with non-compliance &#8211; if they don’t understand and take action in response to the critical shift by the FTC and the EU regulators regarding enforcement of data protection regulations.</p>
<p>For small businesses that don’t have the budget for law firms to assist with data protection compliance, the best solution is access to a combination of relevant compliance training and the required compliance documents.</p>
<p>&#8212;</p>
<p>Chip Cooper, Esq. is a practicing e-commerce and compliance attorney with the Atlanta law firm of Jones & Haley, P.C. Mr. Cooper is also CEO of FTC Guardian, Inc. (<a href="http://www.ftcguardian.com">www.ftcguardian.com</a>), #1 in online training for FTC and GDPR compliance.</p>
<h2>Here’s How To Make Sure You, Your Quebec Business and Website Are FTC & GDPR Compliant</h2>
<p>By now it should be clear how important it is for you to be FTC compliant. But how can you do that without spending $7,500-$8,000 or more on Internet Attorneys?</p>
<p>Smart business owners around the world are doing it with the help of FTC Guardian.</p>
<p>FTC Guardian is a service that is 100% focused on helping to keep you get and stay FTC & GDPR compliant and fully protected. <a href="https://go.ftcguardian.com/bw4uoy" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">And right now, we are offering a free training to give you the knowledge, information, and guidance that you need to stay out of trouble with the Federal Trade Commission and the new GDPR guidelines.</a></p>
<p>Free Compliance Workshop: <a href="https://go.ftcguardian.com/bw4uoy" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Join Chip Cooper, Esq., the #1 FTC Compliance & GDPR trainer in the World, for a one-of-kind, completely free online compliance workshop.</strong></a></p>
<p><a href="https://go.ftcguardian.com/bw4uoy" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Workshops fill up quickly, so register now.</strong></a></p>
<p>Here are some of the things you’ll discover on the training:</p>
<ul>
<li>Real-Life Examples of People Who Didn’t Think They Were At Risk, But Who Got Nailed By The FTC, And Why It Could Happen To You, Too</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>The 3 Enormous Powers The FTC Has That Can Change Your Life – And Your Family’s Life – Forever!</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>How to Avoid FTC Claims When Collecting Leads With Optin Forms</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>3 Privacy Policy Mistakes Every Digital Marketer Is Making, And Why You’re In The FTC Crosshairs.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>And Much More…</li>
</ul>
<p><b>Remember: legal protection is a massively important part of your business, and it’s one you cannot afford to ignore any longer.</b></p>
<p><a href="https://go.ftcguardian.com/bw4uoy" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Go here to register for our next FREE training and make your business is FTC compliant today!</a></p>
<p><b>Disclaimer:  This article is provided for informational purposes only. It’s not legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created. Neither the author nor FTC Guardian, Inc. is endorsed by the Federal Trade Commission.</b></p>
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