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
$18.0M
Consumer fraud enforcement action where the FTC settled with Air AI for misleading entrepreneurs with false earnings and refund guarantees. The company will be banned from marketing business opportunities and pay a suspended $18 million judgment with $50,000 for consumer relief. Violations included failure to provide required disclosures and false claims under the Telemarketing Sales Rule and Business Opportunity Rule.
$17.0M
Consumer fraud enforcement action where the FTC settled with Xponential Fitness for violating the Franchise Rule by misrepresenting key information to franchisees, including time to open and costs. The settlement includes a $17 million monetary judgment for redress and prohibits future misrepresentations.
Consumer fraud and advertising enforcement action where the FTC sent warning letters to 97 auto dealership groups for deceptive pricing practices, such as advertising prices that exclude mandatory fees, misleading consumers about total costs. The letters stress the need for truthful and transparent pricing in the automotive industry.
$100.0M
The FTC and 11 states settled with Walmart for $100 million over deceptive earnings claims in its Spark Driver gig worker app, where drivers were misled about base pay, tips, and incentives. The settlement also addressed GLBA violations for failing to provide proper notice regarding the handling of drivers' financial information. Walmart must implement an earnings verification program and is banned from misrepresenting driver earnings.
The FTC issued a policy statement announcing it will not enforce COPPA against operators that collect age verification data under specific conditions. The policy aims to encourage the use of age verification technologies to protect children online. Operators must limit data use, ensure security, provide notice, and use accurate verification methods.
The FTC issued a policy statement announcing that it will not enforce the COPPA Rule against website and online service operators that use age verification technologies solely to determine user age, provided they comply with conditions such as limiting data use, ensuring security, and providing clear notice. This policy aims to incentivize age verification tools to protect children online.