-
Self-Regulation Is a Tool to Mitigate Litigation
Oct 15, 2021, 09:00 AM by Eric D. Reicin, President & CEO, BBB National Programs and Abby Adams, Senior Counsel, Dispute Resolution Programs, BBB National ProgramsIndependent industry self-regulation, when developed and implemented properly, is a powerful tool for enhancing consumer trust in business and protecting consumers. And as we emerge from the reduced trust in government wreaked by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is time for independent industry self-regulation to help solve vexing business problems. In-house counsel can play an important leadership role in those efforts.Full story -
Is Your Business Ready for Consumer Data Privacy Requests?
Oct 13, 2021, 09:00 AM by Cobun Zweifel-Keegan, Deputy Director of Privacy Initiatives, BBB National ProgramsBusinesses face many common pitfalls as they prepare to handle consumer privacy requests. They may be referred to as “data rights,” “data subject rights” (DSRs), or “data subject access rights” (DSARs). No matter what they are called, there are consistent themes in the best practices and pitfalls inherent in these essential elements of any privacy program.Full story -
Three Strategies for Making the Most of a Mediated Settlement
Oct 12, 2021, 09:00 AM by Juan Herrera, Vice President, Dispute Resolution Programs, BBB National ProgramsOver the years, we have learned that success in mediation comes as much from utilizing emotional intelligence as it does from knowing the nuts and bolts – and the legalities – of the mediation process. This blog outlines three strategies for making the most of a mediated settlement.Full story -
Resolving Lemon Law Disputes
Sep 28, 2021, 09:00 AM by Juan Herrera, Vice President of Dispute Resolution Programs, BBB National ProgramsAt BBB AUTO LINE we help consumers and manufacturers resolve their automotive warranty disputes before they go to court. In fact, more than 60% of all cases filed with AUTO LINE are resolved through mediation, which involves one of our trained specialists facilitating settlement discussions between the consumer and manufacturer.Full story -
For Brands and Influencers: Get to Know the CARU Advertising Guidelines
Sep 23, 2021, 09:00 AM by Rashida Gordon, Analyst, Children’s Advertising Review UnitChildren can access on a variety of platforms and devices. Some of this content is organic and some is advertising. It can be difficult, or even impossible, for children to know the difference between the two. That’s why it’s essential to disclose to children – in language they can understand – when an influencer is advertising the featured product. If you have a role in influencer marketing to children, here are some key revisions to the CARU Guidelines that you should know.Full story -
Why Independent Industry Self-Regulation Is Timelier Than Ever
Sep 21, 2021, 09:00 AM by Eric D. Reicin, President & CEO, BBB National ProgramsAlthough advertising’s platforms, technology, and techniques have changed dramatically, the system of independent industry self-regulation has sustained, and thrived, proving itself as an adaptable model to evolving business environments. Today, that model of responsible businesses allowing themselves to be held publicly accountable by independent self-regulation is timelier than ever.Full story -
The 2000s Introduced the Internet and Influencers to Ad Law
Sep 16, 2021, 09:00 AM by Katherine Armstrong, Deputy Director, National Advertising Division, BBB National ProgramsThe 2000s was a decade of change as online advertising exploded and, as a harbinger of things to come, the online environment became fertile ground for innovative ways to both communicate with consumers or, for the unscrupulous, take advantage of unwary consumers. The low barriers to entry allowed disrupters to enter the digital space and forced traditional marketers to compete in this space or be left behind.Full story -
For Developers: Get to Know the CARU Advertising Guidelines
Sep 14, 2021, 09:00 AM by Cameryn Gonnella, Compliance Manager, Children’s Advertising Review UnitThe CARU Advertising Guidelines are widely recognized industry standards that help ensure advertising directed to children is fair and appropriate for its intended audience across any form of child-directed media. The CARU team outlines some key revisions to the Guidelines to which mobile developers should pay heed.Full story -
Getting Certified: Cisco Demonstrates Dedication to Customer Success through APEC Privacy Compliance
Aug 25, 2021, 08:53 AM by Josh Harris, Director, Global Privacy Initiatives, BBB National ProgramsCisco is an example of how a global company must navigate a variety of legal privacy regimes, while also being dedicated to leading the way on data privacy to maintain and further enhance a trusted relationship with its customers. To thread this needle, Cisco has chosen to rely on a third-party privacy certification offered by our team at BBB National Programs.Full story -
Lemon Law 101: Understanding the Law and Your Rights
Aug 12, 2021, 09:00 AM by Abby Adams, Senior Counsel, Dispute Resolution Programs, BBB AUTO LINEIf your vehicle is under warranty, lemon laws require your vehicle manufacturer to repair your vehicle. The federal lemon law, known as the Magnusson-Moss Warranty Act (“Mag-Moss”), and state lemon laws are in place to protect consumers from getting stuck with “lemons.” It is important to understand the difference between state and federal lemon laws as well as how you and your vehicle are covered under each.Full story -
What is Old is Green Again: Ad Law in the 90s
Aug 11, 2021, 09:00 AM by Katherine Armstrong, Deputy Director, National Advertising Division, BBB National ProgramsAs we continue to celebrate the 50th anniversary of independent industry self-regulation in the advertising industry by looking at the impact of past decades on advertising law, this month we highlight the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) Green Guides, first issued in 1992. The Green Guides were designed to respond to changes in consumer understanding and developments in environmental technology.Full story -
Independent Privacy Certifications: The Scalable Solution for Vendor Due Diligence
Aug 5, 2021, 09:24 AM by Cobun Zweifel-Keegan, Deputy Director, Privacy Initiatives, BBB National ProgramsAs a responsible business, you have an obligation to properly vet and monitor the privacy practices of your suppliers and vendors. The reason is simple: you could be held legally and financially liable for their improper data protection practices. And while vendor privacy due diligence can be a Herculean task, it doesn’t have to be this way.Full story -
Direct Selling Summit: Industry Education as a Vehicle to Increasing Consumer Trust
Aug 4, 2021, 09:00 AM by Peter Marinello, Vice President, Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council, BBB National ProgramsThe Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) hosted direct selling industry business leaders, legal professionals, advertising experts, and salesforce members at the virtual Direct Selling Summit on July 27. The Summit, an educational event to provide individuals in the direct selling industry with an inside look at how their advertising is monitored, took place following a dynamic year full of marketing challenges for direct selling companies and their independent salesforce members.Full story -
Six Key Changes in CARU's Revised Advertising Guidelines
Aug 3, 2021, 07:56 AM by The CARU TeamAdvertisers should be aware that child-directed marketing and advertising will be reviewed under revised self-regulatory guidelines, to go into effect on January 1, 2022. BBB National Programs Children’s Advertising Review Unit (CARU) last week issued a revised version of the CARU Advertising Guidelines, widely recognized industry standards that assure advertising directed to children is not deceptive, unfair, or inappropriate for its intended audience. These Guidelines were revised to address newer digital and immersive forms of child-directed interactive media more specifically.Full story -
Avoid Misleading Messages When Advertising Medical Devices
Jul 29, 2021, 08:31 AM by Kat Dunnigan, Senior Attorney, National Advertising DivisionAdvertisers of medical devices face complex tasks when marketing their products. In addition to complying with FDA regulations, medical device advertising is subject to the same truth-in-advertising principles set by the FTC.Full story -
The Do’s and Don’ts of Buying Smart for Baby: A Primer from Privacy Experts
Jul 22, 2021, 09:00 AM by Cameryn Gonnella, Compliance Manager, Children’s Advertising Review Unit, BBB National ProgramsResearching a new product and finding the critical or in-depth information you are looking for to build confidence in your purchasing decision often requires sifting through superficial lists of “best products.” These lists are often sponsored by the products they feature, which means instead of a focus on being helpful they are full of incentivized endorsements and affiliate links. In this blog, we provide a list – not a sponsored list – of some do’s and don’ts for how to confidently research smart devices.Full story -
When Web Designs Turn Into Dark Patterns And What To Do About It
Jul 15, 2021, 08:00 AM by Eric D. Reicin, President & CEO, BBB National ProgramsRecently I wrote about the proliferation of dark patterns and tried to give readers a sense of just how widespread these practices are. But it is not just the pervasiveness of dark patterns that has lawmakers and regulators concerned, it is the intent behind them and their impact on consumers. Nonprofit leaders, in particular, should be aware of this and how to guard against it given that they are well-positioned to garner and enhance consumer trust.Full story -
Politics Aside, Advertising Gains Guidance on Deception and Substantiation in the 1980s
Jul 14, 2021, 09:00 AM by Katherine Armstrong, Deputy Director, National Advertising DivisionAs we continue to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the National Advertising Division (NAD) we are looking forward while taking stock of past decades, with a special focus on decisions and developments that continue to impact advertising law and NAD cases today. This month we highlight two pivotal moments from the 1980’s that helped shape NAD’s jurisprudence.Full story -
Marking a Milestone: New Ad Guidelines, Influencers, Gaming, and More at CARU 2021
Jun 24, 2021, 09:00 AM by Children's Advertising Review Unit (CARU) TeamIn a world where ads are woven seamlessly into online content, advertising and data collection practices become more complex, especially in the children’s space. On June 8 and 9, 2021, the Children’s Advertising Review Unit (CARU) virtually convened experts in children’s advertising, privacy, influencers, gaming, ed tech, and state and federal regulations around the globe for our annual conference, CARU 2021 to discuss challenges, best practices, and the year ahead.Full story -
Leveraging Independent Accountability to Enhance Privacy Tech in Your Compliance Strategy
Jun 24, 2021, 09:00 AM by Bryant Fry, Deputy Director, Privacy Initiatives - OperationsNo matter the size of your business, making data privacy a priority is a key component of maintaining the trust of your customers, investors, and the public at large. To assist businesses in complying with the proliferation of different privacy laws, privacy technology platforms have grown exponentially. These tools are critical, however deploying the right privacy tech solutions can only get you part of the way in achieving a successful compliance strategy. The next step? Demonstrate to your stakeholders your business’ accountability – and commitment – to its privacy policies and practices.Full story
Suggested Articles
Blog
American Privacy Rights Act: A Primer for Business
Was it the recent series of natural phenomena that prompted Congress to move on a bipartisan, bicameral federal privacy bill? We can’t say with certainty, but we can outline for you what we believe to be, at first glance, the most compelling elements of the American Privacy Rights Act of 2024 (APRA).
Read more
Blog
Take Care of Your “Health-Lite” Claims
Some advertisers believe they can avoid scrutiny when making health-related claims by making their claim “softer.” But context is key. Health benefit claims must comply with the FTC’s Health Products Compliance Guidance. The substantiation bar is not lowered by changing the approach to the health-related claim.
Read more
Blog
Bullish but Cautionary: A Balanced Way to Approach the Impact of AI
Business and nonprofit leaders in the U.S. may not feel so weighty a responsibility in assessing the global impact of AI, but we must realize AI’s power to impact our organizations, our local economies, our sectors, and our nation.
Read more
Blog
New Rules of the Road Can Sustain US Leadership on Interoperable Digital Data Flows
President Biden closed February 2024 with an EO that signaled an important development for how the U.S. plans to position and guard itself from global adversaries, and speaks volumes about how the U.S. views the next-generation impacts of data flows on the digital economy and how our nation can be better equipped as a global leader. Read our takeaways and future considerations.
Read more