Privacy & Cybersecurity Update Issue 3 | October 2014 – US & Canada

Regulatory—Policy and Best Practices

FTC Report Criticizes Mobile Shopping Applications' Data-Use Disclosure Practices
On August 1, the Federal Trade Commission ("FTC") issued a report on mobile shopping applications. In it, the FTC found that such apps often fail to provide clear explanations of the use of consumer data, consumer liability, or processes for handling payment-related disputes. The report includes recommendations to companies that provide mobile shopping applications to consumers.

FTC Submits Comments to CFPB on Mobile Financial Services
On September 10, FTC staff issued comments in response to a request from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ("CFPB") for information regarding the use of mobile financial services by consumers. The staff comments highlight the risks posed to consumers by mobile financial services and provide recommendations for industry participants.