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ARTICLE · 08 JANUARY 2025

FTC Issues Warning Letters Over Consumer Review Rule: What Marketers Need To Know

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The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has issued warning letters to 10 companies over potential violations of the Consumer Review Rule, marking a significant shift from education...

United StatesConsumer Protection
Raqiyyah Pippins
Raqiyyah Pippins
Danait Mengist
Danait Mengist
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On December 22, 2025, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) sent warning letters to 10 companies over practices it believes may violate the Consumer Review Rule (16 C.F.R. Part 465) (the Rule) — just over a year after the Rule took full effect in October 2024. The letters mark one of the first major enforcement steps since the Rule’s implementation, suggesting that the FTC is moving from education to active enforcement. Historically, warning letters have served as an early compliance tool and can escalate to formal investigations or enforcement actions if issues remain unresolved. Industries that rely heavily on consumer reviews and influencer marketing — such as e-commerce, beauty and personal care, health and wellness, hospitality, and technology — are particularly exposed to these compliance risks. As marketers plan their advertising strategies for the new year, understanding the FTC’s priorities and the practices most likely to draw scrutiny is essential for navigating this

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