Skip to main content
Menu Icon
Close

InfoBytes Blog

Financial Services Law Insights and Observations

FTC Settles Privacy Claims Against Myspace

FTC Privacy/Cyber Risk & Data Security

Fintech

On May 8, the FTC announced an agreement with Myspace to settle government allegations that the social networking service misrepresented the protections offered by its privacy policy. The policy promised consumers that Myspace would not share users’ personally identifiable information or use that information for purposes inconsistent with those for which the information was submitted without first giving notice to users and receiving their permission. The FTC alleged that the privacy policy was deceptive because, without user notice or consent, Myspace provided advertisers with certain user information that allowed the advertisers to identify additional personal information. Under the terms of the settlement, Myspace must (i) establish a comprehensive privacy program, (ii) obtain biennial independent privacy program assessments, and (iii) avoid misrepresenting the scope of its privacy policy protections.