FTC

FTC Sues TikTok for Violating US Children’s Privacy Law (COPPA)

FTC, TikTok, United States |

The FTC has filed a lawsuit against TikTok and its parent company ByteDance for violating the US Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). The lawsuit claims TikTok knowingly collected data from millions of children under 13 without parental consent, in breach of a 2019 FTC order. Despite internal concerns, TikTok allegedly continued collecting and sharing children’s data, failed to delete accounts upon parental request, and allowed children to bypass age verification. The suit seeks civil penalties and a permanent injunction to prevent further violations.

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FTC Warns Against Misleading Anonymization Claims Through Hashing

FTC, Hashing |

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) emphasizes that hashing does not render data anonymous, cautioning companies against misleading privacy claims. Hashing, which transforms data like email addresses into consistent numerical values, may obscure the original data but still allows user identification. The FTC has taken action against companies such as Nomi and BetterHelp for improperly using hashed data, demonstrating that hashed identifiers can still cause privacy harms. The calls for companies adhere to truthful privacy practices, highlighting recent cases where user tracking persisted through unique identifiers.

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US Senators Urge FTC Crackdown on Automakers’ Data Sharing

Enforcement, FTC, United States |

On July 26, 2024, U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Edward J. Markey called on the FTC to investigate automakers’ unauthorized sharing of driver data with data brokers. Wyden’s investigation revealed that GM, Honda, and Hyundai shared driving and location data with Verisk Analytics without drivers’ informed consent. Hyundai received over $1 million from Verisk for data from 1.7 million cars, while Honda and GM also engaged in similar practices. The senators condemned these actions, urging the FTC to hold automakers and data brokers accountable for privacy violations and deceptive practices.

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FTC Investigates Surveillance Pricing Practices

Enforcement, FTC |

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued orders to eight companies to gather detailed information on surveillance pricing practices. These companies, including Mastercard and JPMorgan Chase, use personal data such as browsing history and credit scores to set individualized prices for goods and services. The FTC aims to understand the impact of these practices on privacy, competition, and consumer protection. Chair Lina M. Khan emphasized the risks to consumer privacy and potential price exploitation. The investigation uses the FTC’s 6(b) authority to conduct comprehensive studies without specific law enforcement purposes.

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FTC Bans Avast from Selling Web Data and Fines $16.5 Million

FTC Bans Avast from Selling Web Data and Fines $16.5 Million

data breach, Enforcement, FTC, United States |

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has finalized an order against Avast Limited, banning the company from selling or licensing web browsing data for advertising. This decision follows allegations that Avast, through its subsidiary Jumpshot, sold consumer browsing data without proper notice or consent, despite claims of protecting privacy. Avast is required to pay $16.5 million, which will go towards consumer redress. The FTC also mandates Avast to delete collected data, notify affected consumers, and implement a comprehensive privacy program.

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