Markets Wired

After a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has approved a final order resolving the Commission’s complaint against Craig Brittain, alleging he used deception to acquire and post intimate images of women, then referred them to another website he controlled, where they were told they could have the pictures removed if they paid hundreds of dollars.

The settlement was first announced in 2015. In its complaint, the FTC alleged that Brittain acquired the images in a number of ways, such as by posing as a woman on the advertising site Craigslist, and offering nude photos purportedly of himself in exchange for photos provided by women. Brittain also allegedly solicited viewers of his site to anonymously submit nude photos of people to his site, according to the complaint, at times offering cash “bounties” for images of specific individuals.

Under the terms of the settlement, Brittain is required to permanently delete all of the images and other personal information he received during the time he operated the site. He will also be prohibited from publicly sharing intimate videos or photographs of people without their affirmative express consent, as well as being prohibited from misrepresenting how he will use any personal information he collects online.

The Commission vote to approve the final order and letters to commenters was 4-0.

The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition, and protect and educate consumers. You can learn more about consumer topics and file a consumer complaint online or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357).  Like the FTC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, read our blogs and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources.