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Consumer Protection

All articles tagged with #consumer protection

Hershey Updates Reese's Pumpkin Packaging After Court Dismisses Deceptive Marketing Suit
consumer-news1 day ago

Hershey Updates Reese's Pumpkin Packaging After Court Dismisses Deceptive Marketing Suit

Hershey has replaced the 'Decorating Suggestion' label on Reese's Peanut Butter Pumpkins with a new disclaimer stating 'Carving not on actual product.' This change follows the second dismissal of a 2024 lawsuit by Florida residents who alleged the packaging was misleading. The court ruled the plaintiffs' dissatisfaction was merely 'subjective disappointment,' though attorneys are considering an appeal.

via WFTV|
#consumer-news#consumer-protection#deceptive-marketing
ProPublica Reporter’s 10-Week DraftKings Experiment Exposes Flaws in Online Gambling Safeguards
investigative-journalism2 days ago

ProPublica Reporter’s 10-Week DraftKings Experiment Exposes Flaws in Online Gambling Safeguards

ProPublica reporter Jake Pearson spent 10 weeks mimicking problem gambling behavior on DraftKings, depositing over $21,600 and losing significant sums. Despite triggering multiple red flags, the platform’s responsible gaming tools failed to intervene effectively, instead rewarding his activity with VIP status and increased deposit incentives. The investigation highlights a conflict between profit-driven design and consumer safety, prompting calls for stricter regulatory oversight.

via ProPublica|
#consumer-protection#draftkings#investigative-journalism
Federal Suit Challenges McDonald's AI Pricing Tool as Antitrust Violation
business-and-technology2 days ago

Federal Suit Challenges McDonald's AI Pricing Tool as Antitrust Violation

A proposed class-action lawsuit filed in federal court in Chicago alleges that McDonald's violates U.S. antitrust laws by using an AI-driven pricing tool to coordinate menu prices across its U.S. franchise network. The plaintiffs argue that the system, which analyzes nonpublic transaction data from approximately 14,000 locations, reduces competition among independently owned restaurants. McDonald's denies these claims, stating that the tool only provides recommendations and that franchisees retain final authority over pricing decisions.

via Yahoo Finance|
#antitrust-law#artificial-intelligence#business-and-technology
NC Judge Orders Raleigh Wedding Photographer to Pay $1.7M After Failing to Deliver Services
business-and-legal3 days ago

NC Judge Orders Raleigh Wedding Photographer to Pay $1.7M After Failing to Deliver Services

A North Carolina judge has ordered Holly Christina Photography to pay nearly $1.7 million in refunds and civil penalties after the company failed to deliver paid-for wedding photos and videos to hundreds of clients. The ruling follows a default judgment motion by the state Attorney General, who cited over 220 consumer complaints and the owners' failure to comply with previous court orders to return footage or issue refunds. The owners, Holly and Christopher Ayscue, were barred from accepting future advance payments and must deliver all remaining assets to clients.

via WRAL|
#attorney-general#business-and-legal#consumer-protection
Maryland enacts first state ban on dynamic grocery pricing
economy6 days ago

Maryland enacts first state ban on dynamic grocery pricing

Maryland became the first U.S. state to ban dynamic pricing in grocery stores, requiring fixed prices for at least 24 hours and prohibiting the use of surveillance data to adjust costs. The law, which took effect on October 1, 2026, also mandates that businesses selling essential goods accept cash. Violations carry fines up to $25,000 for repeat offenses, aiming to protect households from unpredictable price spikes during a period of rising inflation.

via The Washington Post|
#cash-payments#consumer-protection#dynamic-pricing
NYC’s Click-to-Cancel Rule Takes Effect, Mandating Symmetrical Subscription Exits
policy7 days ago

NYC’s Click-to-Cancel Rule Takes Effect, Mandating Symmetrical Subscription Exits

New York City became the first U.S. municipality to enforce a 'click-to-cancel' rule on October 1, 2026. The regulation requires businesses to offer cancellation methods identical to sign-up processes, prohibiting complex hurdles like phone calls or in-person visits for digital subscriptions. Enforced by the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, the rule aims to save residents between $21.5 million and $162.5 million annually by eliminating 'junk fees' and difficult exit procedures.

via TechSpot|
#consumer-protection#ftc#new-york-city
NYC Enforces First Municipal 'Click-to-Cancel' Rule, Launches Consumer Portal
policy7 days ago

NYC Enforces First Municipal 'Click-to-Cancel' Rule, Launches Consumer Portal

New York City has become the first U.S. municipality to enforce a 'click-to-cancel' rule, requiring businesses to make subscription cancellations as easy as sign-ups. The rule, effective October 1, 2026, includes a new consumer complaint portal and carries fines starting at $525 per violation. Officials project the measure will save residents between $21.5 million and $162.5 million annually, filling a regulatory gap left by the federal government.

via The Verge|
#consumer-protection#new-york-city#policy
Amazon to auto-pay millions in expanded Prime refund settlement starting Oct. 1
consumer-protection8 days ago

Amazon to auto-pay millions in expanded Prime refund settlement starting Oct. 1

Starting October 1, 2026, Amazon will automatically issue refunds to millions of Prime subscribers under an expanded $2.5 billion settlement with the Federal Trade Commission. The expansion widens eligibility to users who accessed 11 to 20 Prime benefits in a year and raises the maximum payout from $51 to $200. Consumers do not need to file claims, but officials warn that scammers may exploit the news to steal personal information.

via KSL.com|
#amazon-prime#consumer-protection#consumer-refunds
Oct. 1 Brings Sweeping Legal Shifts in DC, MD, and VA
policy8 days ago

Oct. 1 Brings Sweeping Legal Shifts in DC, MD, and VA

Dozens of new laws take effect across the D.C. region on Oct. 1, 2026, impacting consumer pricing, healthcare eligibility, and law enforcement. Key changes include Maryland’s ban on dynamic grocery pricing, Virginia’s restriction on Medicaid for certain noncitizens, and stricter vehicle registration rules. Washington, D.C., reduces family leave benefits while expanding pet protections for renters.

via NBC4 Washington|
#consumer-protection#maryland#medicaid
FTC Launches First Major AI Safety Probe Against OpenAI and Anthropic
technology8 days ago

FTC Launches First Major AI Safety Probe Against OpenAI and Anthropic

The Federal Trade Commission has opened a broad investigation into OpenAI and Anthropic to assess whether their AI systems pose safety risks to consumers. The probe, led by Chair Andrew Ferguson, utilizes existing consumer protection laws rather than new AI-specific legislation. It follows recent security incidents involving rogue AI agents and aligns with the Trump administration's push for voluntary industry standards.

via washingtonpost.com|
#ai-regulation#anthropic#consumer-protection
FTC Launches Sweeping Probe into OpenAI and Anthropic Over Consumer Safety Risks
technology8 days ago

FTC Launches Sweeping Probe into OpenAI and Anthropic Over Consumer Safety Risks

The Federal Trade Commission has opened a broad investigation into OpenAI, Anthropic, and other major AI firms to determine if they have violated federal laws against unfair or deceptive practices. The probe, which began before recent high-profile security breaches, will examine potential consumer harms from rogue AI systems, data misuse, and misleading product claims. The FTC plans to issue formal information demands and seek testimony from top executives, marking a shift toward using existing consumer protection statutes to regulate AI in the absence of new specific legislation.

via The New York Times|
#ai-regulation#anthropic#consumer-protection
FTC Personalized Pricing Proposal Sparks Industry Pushback and Consumer Advocacy
technology-and-policy10 days ago

FTC Personalized Pricing Proposal Sparks Industry Pushback and Consumer Advocacy

The Federal Trade Commission’s proposal to regulate personalized pricing has triggered a sharp debate between consumer advocates and tech industry groups. While consumer groups urge stricter rules against algorithmic price discrimination, industry representatives argue that such regulations could eliminate beneficial discounts and lack empirical support.

via WIRED|
#algorithmic-pricing#consumer-protection#ftc