The FTC settled charges against GoDaddy for failing to implement adequate data security measures for its web hosting services, which led to multiple breaches and misled customers about its security protections. The proposed order requires GoDaddy to establish a comprehensive information security program and hire an independent assessor for regular reviews.
GoDaddy is prohibited from misleading customers about its security practices and must implement a comprehensive information security program. It is also required to hire an independent third-party assessor to conduct initial and biennial reviews of its program.
Entity
GoDaddy Inc.
Also known as: GoDaddy
Industry
TechnologyOfficial Press Release
https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2025/01/ftc-takes-action-against-godaddy-alleged-lax-data-security-its-website-hosting-services
2023133 godaddy complaint
https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/2023133_godaddy_complaint.pdf
2023133 godaddy decisionandorder
https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/2023133_godaddy_decisionandorder.pdf
Federal Trade Commission Enforcement Page
https://www.ftc.gov/enforcement
The FTC filed a complaint alleging that GovAssist LLC, Entry LLC, and Scott Zuckerman used deceptive paid search ads, misleading service and pricing claims, and fake reviews to deceive consumers seeking passport services. The complaint alleges violations of the FTC Act, the Impersonation Rule, and the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act; the case will be decided by the court, and no penalty or remedy is reported as imposed.
The FTC issued its annual report to Congress describing fraud trends affecting older adults and the agency’s enforcement, education, and outreach efforts. The report is not a specific privacy enforcement action and announces no penalty or remedy.
The FTC referred a complaint against REPS & Company Inc. and company executives, alleging they bypassed ticket-issuer security controls and purchasing limits to acquire millions of tickets for resale. The complaint was filed by the Department of Justice, and the case will be decided by the court; the press release does not report a penalty or other remedy imposed.
$106.8M
A federal court entered a $106.8 million default judgment against corporate defendants in an alleged debt-relief scheme that impersonated banks and government entities and targeted seniors and veterans. The judgment permanently bans the defendants from the debt-relief industry and imposes additional prohibitions, including on impersonation, telemarketing, and misrepresentations.
The FTC sued Digital Forensics Corporation LLC and affiliated defendants, alleging they misled sextortion victims with promises of investigative and monitoring services that often were not provided, and used fake positive reviews. A federal court granted the FTC’s request to temporarily halt the defendants’ activities; the complaint remains for the court to decide.
The FTC alleged that Greenway Auto Group advertised vehicle prices thousands of dollars below the amounts consumers actually paid and used mailers falsely suggesting recipients had won cash prizes. Greenway agreed to an order requiring transparent pricing and prohibiting deceptive prize mailers and other misrepresentations; the press release does not state a monetary penalty.