FTC Resources for Reporters
Mobile Technology Issues
For more than a decade, the Federal Trade Commission has examined the consumer protection issues that may accompany the explosive growth of mobile technology. While new technology can bring tremendous benefits to consumers, it also can present new concerns and provide a platform for old frauds to resurface. Mobile technology is no different, and the Commission continues to make a concerted effort to monitor developments in the mobile arena, and target deceptive and unfair practices in this marketplace.
News Releases:
- FTC Publishes Guide to Help Mobile App Developers Observe Truth-in-Advertising, Privacy Principles – 09/05/12
- FTC Calls Wireless Cramming a Significant Consumer Problem – 07/23/2012
- FTC Announces Agenda, Panelists for Mobile Payments Workshop – 04/12/2012
- FTC Will Host Public Workshop to Explore Advertising Disclosures in Online and Mobile Media on May 30, 2012 – 02/29/2012
- FTC Releases Top Complaint Categories for 2011 – 02/28/2012
- FTC Report Raises Privacy Questions About Mobile Applications for Children – 02/16/2012
- FTC Warns Marketers That Mobile Apps May Violate Fair Credit Reporting Act – 02/02/2012
- FTC to Host Workshop on Mobile Payments and Their Impact on Consumers – 01/26/2012
- Peer-to-Peer File-Sharing Software Developer Settles FTC Charges – 10/11/2011
- FTC Settlement Bans Alleged Spammer from Sending Unsolicited Text Messages – 09/29/2011
- "Acne Cure" Mobile App Marketers Will Drop Baseless Claims Under FTC Settlements – 09/08/2011
- Mobile Apps Developer Settles FTC Charges It Violated Children's Privacy Rule – 08/15/2011
- FTC Testifies on Protecting Consumers' Privacy on Mobile Devices – 05/10/2011
- FTC Asks Court to Shut Down Text Messaging Spammer – 02/23/2011
- Public Relations Firm to Settle FTC Charges that It Advertised Clients' Gaming Apps Through Misleading Online Endorsements – 08/26/2010
Reports and Workshops:
- Dot Com Disclosures Workshop (May 2012)
- Paper, Plastic... or Mobile? An FTC Workshop on Mobile Payments (April 2012)
- Mobile Apps for Kids: Current Privacy Disclosures Are Disappointing (February 2012)
- Examining Phone Bill Cramming: A Discussion (May 2011)
- Debt Collection 2.0: Protecting Consumers as Technologies Change (April 2011)
- Protecting Kids’ Privacy Online: Reviewing the COPPA Rule (June 2010)
- Exploring Privacy: A Roundtable Series (December 2009)
- Transatlantic RFID Workshop on Consumer Privacy and Data Security (September 2008)
- Pay on the Go: Consumers and Contactless Payment (July 2008)
- Beyond Voice: Mapping the Mobile Marketplace (May 2008)
- Mobile Wireless Web, Data Services & Beyond: Emerging Technologies and Consumer Issues (December 2000)
Interactive Workshops – Transcripts:
- Mobile Payments Workshop (April 2012)
Congressional Testimony:
- Privacy and Data Security: Protecting Consumers in the Modern World – 06/29/2011
- On Consumer Privacy and Protection In the Mobile Marketplace – 05/19/2011
- Protecting Mobile Privacy: Your SmartPhones, Tablets, Cell Phones and Your Privacy – 05/10/2011
Business Education:
- New FTC publication for mobile app developers
- Marketing Your Mobile App: Get It Right from the Start
- Consider the Cramifications
- CAN-SPAM Act: A Compliance Guide for Business
- FCRA & Mobile Apps: A Word of Warning
- FTC staff issues report on mobile apps for kids
- Paper, Plastic . . . or Mobile?
- Do Not Call Goes Mobile
- Fast Forward – Dot Com Disclosures
Consumer Education:
- Cramming: Mystery Phone Charges
- Living Life Online
- Understanding Mobile Apps
- Tips for Using Public Wi-Fi Networks
- Kids and Mobile Phones
- Kids: Texting and Sexting
- Do Not Call Goes Mobile
- OnGuard Online – Spam
Other Initiatives Affecting Mobile Technologies:
- FTC Seeks Comments on Additional Proposed Revisions to Children's Online Privacy Protection Rule (news release, 8/1/2012)
- Protecting Consumer Privacy in an Era of Rapid Change: Recommendations for Businesses and Policy Makers (report, March 2012)
- Membership Reward Service Aimed at College Savers Settles FTC Charges That Its 'TurboSaver Toolbar' Feature Deceptively Collected Consumers' Personal Information (news release, 1/5/2012)
- Face Facts: A Forum on Facial Recognition Technology (workshop, December 2011)
- Facebook Settles FTC Charges That It Deceived Consumers By Failing To Keep Privacy Promises (news release, 11/29/2011)
- Comment of the FTC to the FCC Regarding Empowering Consumers to Prevent and Detect Billing for Unauthorized Charges (Comment, 10/24/2011)
- FTC Seeks Comment on Proposed Revisions to Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule (news release, 09/15/2011)
- FTC Charges Deceptive Privacy Practices in Google's Rollout of Its Buzz Social Network (news release, 03/30/2011)
