Smartphones became ultra-expensive in years past. The Federal Trade Commission thinks it’s Qualcomm’s fault, primarily for charging companies way too high for its patented technologies.
Phones/Tablets/Mobile Tech January 12, 2019
A lawsuit against Dish Network confirmed that eligible individuals can collect $1,200 per call compensation. This is part of the $61 million awarded to people who were on the Do Not Call Registry but still contacted by the company's telemarketers.
Business Tech May 8, 2018
The Federal Trade Commission is cracking down on companies that condition the warranty coverage to use specific parts or services. The FTC warned six major companies to stop such practices because they're illegal.
Business Tech April 12, 2018
People are concerned about the recent scandal involving Facebook and its subscriber's data. Now, experts shared the steps in finding what user information it has collected throughout the years.
Internet March 27, 2018
TripAdvisor is under the scanner of Federal Trade Commission for misconduct. Users have claimed that TripAdvisor deleted their comments on businesses that caused harm to the travelers.
Business Tech November 24, 2017
Uber has been placed on a tight leash by the FTC, as the ride-hailing service agreed to a settlement over various charges. One of the requirements is for Uber to go through data privacy audits for the next 20 years.
Business Tech August 16, 2017
If you're having trouble figuring out which Instagram celebrity posts are sponsored, things might get easier soon. The FTC sent reminders to marketers and influencers, prompting them to label their sponsored posts more clearly.
Internet April 20, 2017
The FTC has released an official warning against downloading software claiming to be legitimate Nintendo Switch emulators. Here’s what you need to know to avoid getting scammed.
Video Games April 20, 2017
Vizio has agreed to pay $2.2 million for spying on its 11 million smart TV customers. The company was found to have collected and shared viewing behavior and demographic information with advertisers without user consent.
Business Tech February 6, 2017
Robocalls asking, “Can you hear me now,” is the latest phone scam that steals the victim’s identity to make charges.
Phones/Tablets/Mobile Tech February 1, 2017
Former and current T-Mobile employees claim that T-Mobile encourages fraudulent practices and a predatory work culture. T-Mobile bill cramming is reportedly common and many customers are charged extra or tricked into getting unwanted services, according to a new report.
Business Tech January 26, 2017
In a lawsuit filed in China, Apple practically accused Qualcomm of extortion and blackmail. The company alleged that the chipmaker threatened to withhold essential patents to impose onerous licensing terms.
Apple January 25, 2017
Apple has filed a $1 billion lawsuit against Qualcomm for unfair charges on royalties. The accusations come just days after the FTC filed a complaint against the chip maker for anti-competitive practices.
Business Tech January 21, 2017
Uber has agreed to pay $20 million to settle complaints brought forward by the Federal Trade Commission. The FTC alleged that the ride-sharing service exaggerated the earnings that its drivers can earn.
Business Tech January 20, 2017
The FTC will now give out $88 million in refunds to customers as part of the 2014 mobile cramming settlement of AT&T. Current AT&T subscribers will receive bill credits, while former customers will be receiving a check in their mail.
Business Tech December 9, 2016
Pokémon GO smashed all download records for mobile games, but The Federal Trade Commission did receive a few dozen complaints about the game. Read on to see what concerns users have and what perils await distracted Pokémon hunters.
Video Games September 30, 2016
A federal appeals court in California dismissed FTC's lawsuit against AT&T. However, with its FCC case still unsettled, the telecommunications company's woes still aren't over.
Business Tech August 30, 2016
The Kardashian sisters have been taken to task for posting undisclosed advertisements on their Instagram accounts. A watchdog group has found over 100 alleged violations and has threatened to contact the FTC unless the posts are amended or removed.
Internet August 23, 2016
The FTC is planning a crackdown on sponsored content uploaded on platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat and Twitter. Brands and celebrities will be required to explicitly disclose if posts are paid.
Business Tech August 8, 2016
Herbalife will settle FTC charges by paying $200 million to compensate consumers and changing its employee payment structure. The FTC agreed not to classify the company's business model as a pyramid scheme as part of the settlement.
Business Tech July 16, 2016
Federal agencies - FCC and FTC - have requested mobile phone carriers and manufacturers to explain how and when they patch vulnerability issues. The agencies are getting concerned about a recent rise in security attacks.
Security May 10, 2016
The Federal Trade Commission of the United States has sent a letter to a slew of Android developers, warning them regarding the use of controversial audio monitoring software Silverpush in their apps.
Apps/Software March 21, 2016
The Federal Trade Commission has warned Android developers who are using the controversial SilverPush software. The code allows apps to gather information on the TV watching habits of users.
Apps/Software March 20, 2016
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has launched a new feature for its anti-identity theft website that would allow victims to file their complaints easily and receive personalized assistance immediately. The tool provides users with all the necessary tools to create documents for the police and credit bureaus.
Business February 1, 2016
The FTC has released a new set of tools in the form of an upgrade to its identity theft website, essentially helping those who are victims of identity theft.
Internet January 29, 2016
Although office supply company Staples updated its offer to merge with Office Depot to ease concerns about a monopoly, the Federal Trade Commission recently once again rejected the merger.
Deals December 21, 2015
The Federal Trade Commission has filed a lawsuit that looks to block the merger between Staples and Office Depot. This is the second time that the commission will block a proposed combination of the two office supply chains.
Business December 8, 2015
Lorrie Faith Cranor brings years of experience to her new post as a Carnegie Mellon professor of computer science and engineering, as well as having worked as a researcher for AT&T Labs.
Business December 4, 2015
The EFF accused Google of collecting information on school kids, a clear violation to the Student Privacy Pledge. The practice was uncovered in the EFF ‘Spying on Students’ campaign.
Legal December 2, 2015
Two child adovacy groups have filed complaints against Google-owned YouTube Kids over junk food ads. The groups called on the Federal Trade Commission to put a stop on what they called 'Google's deceptive and unfair practices' on the mobile app.
Legal November 25, 2015
The FTC has shut down operations by several tech support scammers who pretended they were representing Google, Microsoft and Apple. The fraudsters duped unsuspecting victims by convincing them that their PC was infected.
Computers November 16, 2015
Are non-Google apps unfairly treated in Play Store? The Federal Trade Commission is curious.
Legal September 26, 2015
Machinima settles charges over deceptively promoting the Xbox One. Viewers should know when they're viewing sponsored content, stated the FTC
Legal September 3, 2015
The FTC recently called out YouTube group Machinima for deceitful advertising, stating that videos it posted about the Xbox One were actually videos paid for by Microsoft to promote the console and its games.
Internet Culture September 2, 2015
An appeals court in the U.S. has ruled that the FTC now has the authority to sue companies that have weak cybersecurity.
Legal August 26, 2015
The FTC filed a lawsuit against LifeLock at a U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona alleging that the latter is unsuccessful in protecting the data of it users, as well as that its advertising is misleading and deceptive.
Legal July 22, 2015
(Spotify has taken its battle with Apple to Washington. The streaming service has been lobbying politicians to investigate Apple for violating antitrust legislation.
Internet July 16, 2015
The FTC is allegedly checking out allegations against Apple by rival music streaming companies such as Spotify (who use its platform) of improper treatment. The rivals allege that this treatment violates antitrust laws.
Legal July 11, 2015
Apple fined for $647,124 in Taiwan over anti-competitive practices. In Taiwan, Apple was the most-popular smartphone vendor in the final quarter of 2014 with a market share of 32 percent.
Legal June 18, 2015
The Federal Trade Commission has settled its first case with a fraudulent Kickstarter project.
Internet June 11, 2015
Reynolds American Inc. and Lorillard Tobacco Company announced that the U.S. Federal Trade Commission has approved the proposed consent agreement between the two cigarette companies. The FTC, however, has required both companies to sell off four cigarette brands before they can push through with the intended purchase.
Life May 27, 2015
The FTC imposes conditions for RadioShack’s sale in an effort to ensure that all consumer information sold is protected.
Legal May 19, 2015
When Google launched its YouTube Kids app in February, they said that the available videos in the app had content which had been narrowed down to make them appropriate for kids. However, some consumer groups disagree and asked for an investigation of the app.
Internet May 19, 2015
AT&T will now only throttle unlimited data customers on its LTE network if the users are in areas that are experiencing network congestion.
Internet May 8, 2015
Apple is currently wooing music labels to pull down their free-music-streaming licenses with Spotify. The move is in preparation for the company’s own music service set to debut in June.
Business May 6, 2015
