The FTC is seeking public comment on a proposed policy statement addressing concerns that AI companies may be manipulating AI system outputs contrary to consumer expectations for objectivity and accuracy. The statement explains that such conduct could be considered deceptive under Section 5 of the FTC Act. The public comment period runs until July 31, 2026.
In-house legal teams should review vendor agreements related to AI systems, particularly clauses governing AI output accuracy, objectivity, and compliance with consumer protection laws. Contracts with AI developers and providers should include representations that AI outputs will not be manipulated for undisclosed ideological purposes. Additionally, teams should assess any state-specific AI law compliance obligations, such as those under the Colorado Artificial Intelligence Act, and ensure contracts address potential preemption by federal law. Customer-facing agreements may need updates to disclose any limitations on AI objectivity.
Entity
Federal Trade Commission
Industry
OtherOfficial Press Release
https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2026/07/ftc-seeks-public-comment-policy-statement-addressing-ai-accuracy
federal trade commissions proposed policy statement concerni
https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/federal-trade-commissions-proposed-policy-statement-concerning-suppression-accuracy-artificial
Federal Trade Commission Enforcement Page
https://www.ftc.gov/enforcement
"Federal Trade Commission"
"Section 5 of the FTC Act"
"AI companies that distort their systems’ outputs to achieve undisclosed ideological objectives could be deceiving consumers"
"proposed policy statement"
The FTC announced it is seeking public comment on a proposed enforcement policy statement regarding personalized pricing, which is the use of personal data to set prices based on what a company believes an individual consumer is willing to spend. The statement warns that undisclosed collection or use of personal data for personalized pricing could violate the FTC Act's prohibition on unfair or deceptive practices. The Commission voted 2-0 to authorize the Federal Register notice.
The FTC issued a policy statement abandoning disparate-impact liability, stating it will no longer bring claims based on this theory. It also modified compliance obligations for several companies based on past decisions.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced it submitted a draft Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) regarding online food delivery service fees to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review on April 10, 2026. The ANPRM is classified as a 'significant regulatory action' under Executive Orders 12866 and 14215, requiring review by OIRA before public issuance. This press release does not describe an enforcement action against a private entity, nor any privacy-related violations or penalties.
On March 20, 2026, FTC Chairman Andrew N. Ferguson directed FTC staff to form a Healthcare Task Force to coordinate healthcare enforcement and advocacy efforts. The task force will focus on targeted enforcement initiatives, agencywide investigation strategies, amicus opportunities, and identifying emerging enforcement priorities. It will also seek partnerships with other federal agencies including HHS and DOJ to advance healthcare competition and consumer protection.
Attorney General William Tong of Connecticut led a bipartisan coalition of 30 state attorneys general in submitting comments to the Federal Trade Commission. The comments aim to improve collaboration between the FTC and state AGs to prevent and prosecute unfair and deceptive practices, addressing issues raised by the AMG Capital decision that may limit restitution. The coalition emphasizes the importance of joint efforts for national consumer protection.
$930K
The FTC finalized orders requiring CMG Media Corporation (doing business as Cox Media Group), MindSift LLC, and 1010 Digital Works LLC to pay a total of $930,000 for falsely claiming they offered an AI-powered service that could target ads based on conversations captured from consumers' smart devices, and that consumers had opted into such targeting. The orders also prohibit the companies from making misrepresentations about their advertising services, voice data collection, and consumer consent.