More Crackdowns from the FTC – Advertisers Take Note of “Operation Full Disclosure”

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (the “FTC”) is the federal agency charged with enforcing various consumer protection laws, including the prohibition on “unfair or deceptive acts or practices.”  We recently reported on the FTC’s crackdown on companies that allegedly collected personal information from children under the age of 13 in violation of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule.

The FTC’s latest target is advertisers, through its “Operation Full Disclosure” initiative – specifically those whose advertising allegedly failed to comply with the standard that necessary disclosures must be “clear and conspicuous.”

Companies who advertise in the U.S. should be aware of the FTC’s interpretation of this standard in advertising, and make sure that required disclosures are in plain and unambiguous language, near the claims to which they relate and in easy-to-read font and contrasting print, among other requirements.

If you have any questions about “Operation Full Disclosure” or compliance with the FTC’s consumer protection laws, contact Squire Patton Boggs attorneys Deborah Lodge and Caroline Mead for more information.