The FTC released a staff report based on Section 6(b) orders to six major ISPs, finding they collect extensive personal data, including internet traffic and location data, and share it with third parties. The ISPs often obscure data use disclosures in fine print and make it difficult for consumers to opt out, while combining data to profile sensitive characteristics. The report highlights the need for stricter privacy restrictions.
In-house legal teams should review vendor agreements with ISPs, customer terms of service, and data processing agreements. Focus on clauses governing data collection scope, third-party data sharing, consent mechanisms, opt-out processes, data retention, and profiling practices. Changes may be needed to ensure clear disclosures, implement easy-to-use opt-out options, limit sharing of sensitive data for profiling, and align with evolving privacy regulations.
Entity
AT&T Mobility LLC, Cellco Partnership (Verizon Wireless), Charter Communications Operating LLC, Comcast Cable Communications (Xfinity), T-Mobile US Inc., Google Fiber Inc.
Also known as: AT&T, Verizon, Charter, Comcast, T-Mobile, Google Fiber
Industry
TelecommunicationsOfficial Press Release
https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2021/10/ftc-staff-report-finds-many-internet-service-providers-collect-troves-personal-data-users-have-few
look what isps know about you examining privacy practices si
https://www.ftc.gov/reports/look-what-isps-know-about-you-examining-privacy-practices-six-major-internet-service
Federal Trade Commission Enforcement Page
https://www.ftc.gov/enforcement
"AT&T Mobility LLC; Cellco Partnership, which does business as Verizon Wireless; Charter Communications Operating LLC; Comcast Cable Communications, which does business as Xfinity; T-Mobile US Inc.; and Google Fiber Inc."
"authority under 6(b) of the FTC Act"
"collect and share far more data about their customers than many consumers may expect—including access to all of their Internet traffic and real-time location data—while failing to offer consumers meaningful choices about how this data can be used"
"hide disclosures about such practices in fine print of their privacy policies"
The FTC, Utah, and Nevada sued Lens.com Inc., alleging that it advertised artificially low contact lens prices while hiding mandatory checkout charges and misleading consumers about its AutoRefill subscription. The complaint seeks to stop the alleged practices; the court has not yet decided the case, and no penalty or remedy has been imposed.
The FTC issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking seeking public comment on whether ad-optimization tools offered by online platforms may help scammers impersonate businesses and government agencies. This is a proposed regulatory inquiry, not an enforcement action against a named company; no penalty or remedy was imposed.
$2.5B
A federal court approved a revised order in the FTC's Amazon Prime case under which Amazon will accelerate and expand redress payments under the September 2025 $2.5 billion settlement, which resolved allegations that Amazon enrolled millions of consumers in Prime subscriptions without their consent and knowingly made cancellation difficult. More consumers now qualify for refunds, the maximum payment cap rises from $51 to $200, and all future payments will be distributed automatically starting October 1, 2026, with potential supplemental $149 payments by April 2027. Amazon has already issued more than $845 million in redress payments as of September 2026.
$225.0M
The FTC and the state of Washington filed a joint complaint and proposed stipulated order requiring Amway Corp. and two affiliates—World Wide Group, L.L.C. (WWG) and Leadership Team Development Inc. (LTD)—to pay a $225 million judgment, the largest monetary recovery ever obtained from an MLM in an FTC action, over allegations that they used deceptive earnings claims and unfair tactics to recruit Independent Business Owners. The complaint alleges the companies falsely promised substantial income and recruitment success, pressured IBOs to buy products they could not resell, and instructed IBOs to falsely report sales. Nearly all of the judgment will be used as redress for IBOs who lost money, and the proposed order imposes structural reforms including a 70% resale requirement, independent audits of sales records, and a ban on approved providers charging new IBOs for first-year training.
$100.0M
FleetCor Technologies Inc. (now Corpay Inc.) and its CEO Ronald Clarke agreed to pay $100 million to settle an FTC administrative action alleging the company charged small business customers hidden and unauthorized fees for fuel cards and misrepresented gas savings, fraud-control features, and fees. A federal district court granted the FTC summary judgment on all counts in 2023, and a federal appeals court upheld that judgment and the permanent injunction in 2026. The settlement funds will be used to provide redress to harmed business customers.
FTC staff published FAQs on price transparency to help the automobile industry comply with the FTC Act, reiterating that an advertised vehicle price must be the actual price any consumer can pay, excluding only government-required charges. The guidance follows warning letters the FTC sent to 97 auto dealership groups earlier in 2026 and signals continued litigation against dealers that advertise one price but charge more through undisclosed fees. No specific entity was charged and no penalty was imposed.