FTC Takes Action Against Education Technology Provider for Failing to Secure Students’ Personal Data

Illuminate Education will be required to implement an information security program to address data security failures after a breach involving data of more than 10 million students The Federal Trade Commission will require education technology provider Illuminate Education, Inc. (Illuminate) to implement a data security program and delete unnecessary data to settle allegations that the…

FTC Sends Payments to Consumers Impacted by Avast’s Deceptive Privacy Claims

The Federal Trade Commission is sending payments totaling nearly $15.3 million to consumers who were affected by deceptively marketed antivirus software from Avast. In February 2024, the FTC alleged that Avast used its browser extensions and antivirus software to collect, store, and sell consumers’ browsing information without adequate notice and without consumer consent. The FTC…

FTC Sues to Stop Air AI from Using Deceptive Claims about Business Growth, Earnings Potential, and Refund Guarantees to Bilk Millions from Small Businesses

Agency alleges Air AI’s false promises have left many entrepreneurs and small businesses in debt, with losses up to $250,000 The Federal Trade Commission has asked a federal court to stop Air AI from using allegedly deceptive claims about business growth, earnings potential, and refund guarantees to fleece small businesses and entrepreneurs. The FTC alleges…

Scammers pretend to be the FTC again

Scammers are back at it, pretending to be FTC Commissioner Rebecca Kelly Slaughter and staff at the FTC. They’re emailing, saying there’s an award ready to be collected (for a fee), or an outstanding COVID issue requiring your immediate attention (and, ultimately, money). But it’s NOT the FTC emailing. And even if they switch to…