Markets Wired

Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has finalized a settlement order with online advertiser ScanScout, which the FTC alleged deceptively claimed that consumers could opt out of receiving targeted ads by changing their browser settings. The settlement, which was first announced on November 8, 2011, bars misrepresentations about the company’s data-collection practices and consumers’ ability to control collection of their data. It also requires that ScanScout take steps to improve disclosure of its data collection practices, and to provide a user-friendly mechanism that allows consumers to opt out of being tracked.

The final settlement order was approved by a vote of 4-0. (FTC File No. 102 3185, the staff contacts are Kandi Parsons 202-326-2389 and Jamie Hine 202-326-2188.)

The Federal Trade Commission works for consumers to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices and to provide information to help spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint in English or Spanish, visit the FTC’s online Complaint Assistant or call
1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). The FTC enters complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to more than 2,000 civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad. The FTC’s website provides free information on a variety of consumer topics. Like the FTC on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.