FTC

On the heels of high-profile settlements with Google and Facebook, Federal Trade Commission head Julie Brill signals that lower-profile members of data economy can expect heightened scrutiny.

Service companies all kinds change the terms of agreements covering cell service, Internet access, cable TV. All have to ask customers first and admit there's a change. Now Facebook, finally, may do the same.

Who is tracking you online and what do they want? The answers aren't obvious. Take this True/False quiz to find out how much you really know about Web tracking.

It has become a lesser worry that studies show even advertisers friendly to Do Not Track features in browsers are ignoring the wishes of users. Some are practically taking DNA samples.

Are federal investigators looking into whether Twitter is strong-arming or trying to kill off third-party providers of apps and services for its microblogging platform?

It was revealed this week that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has begun an antitrust investigation of Google business practices. Whether or not Google is guilty of unfair practices or not, the very fact that antitrust assertions are being made is a sign of success. Congratulations Google! You've officially made it to the big time.

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission files a lawsuit against a Canadian entrepreneur who allegedly offered free trials of products, but charged customers.

The FTC and Justice Dept. may investigate Google for monopolistic practices, after giving it another chance to use them.

The agency requires Google to implement a comprehensive privacy program but did not issue a fine.

Just when Google thought it was getting a handle on ridding its searches of low-quality content created by content farms, aggregators and SEO-riggers, the marriage of two masters of those dark arts was approved by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

Google, Microsoft and Mozilla are competing to see who can come out with do-not-track features in browsers first; now about halting tracking at its source.