ARTICLE · 21 FEBRUARY 2013

Media Outlets Beware: Fake News Ads - A Problem To Be Addressed!

Holland & Knight

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On February 7, 2013, the Federal Trade Commission ("FTC") proposed settlements with multiple online marketers that allegedly used fake news sites to market weight-loss products.

United StatesLitigation, Mediation & Arbitration

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Norman Leventhal is a Partner in our Washington D.C. office

On February 7, 2013, the Federal Trade Commission ("FTC") proposed settlements with multiple online marketers that allegedly used fake news sites to market weight-loss products, including acai-berry supplements, as well as work-at-home opportunities, anti-aging offerings, teeth whitening products or skin treatments. Under these and related settlements, the targeted operations have agreed to stop their operations permanently and to pay more than $9 million to settle the charges. The likely resolution of these proceedings is of particular interest to media outlets because (i) it targets websites or ads that pretend to be or make claims regarding bona fide news outlets; and (ii) it confirms a continuing FTC effort to oversee website advertising.

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