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Nebraska Joins FTC and Coalition States Lawsuit Against Ad Agencies for Digital Advertising Collusion

Nebraska Attorney General Hilgers joined the FTC and eight states in filing an antitrust lawsuit against major advertising agencies WPP, Publicis, Dentsu, Omnicom, and IPG for allegedly colluding since 2018 to establish common 'Brand Safety Floor' standards targeting 'misinformation.' The complaint alleges that firms NewsGuard and the Global Disinformation Index were used to promote demonetization of disfavored political viewpoints, displacing competition in the market for ad-buying services. The ad agencies have agreed to a proposed consent order that would prevent engaging in agreements setting common brand safety standards or restricting advertising based on biased criteria. The complaint and order were filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas.

FTC and Seven States Settle Antitrust Case with Dentsu, WPP and Publicis

The FTC and a coalition of eight states including West Virginia reached a settlement with Dentsu, WPP (GroupM), and Publicis in an antitrust lawsuit alleging the companies secretly coordinated to create "brand safety" rules that cut off advertising revenue to conservative news outlets. Federal court-approved agreed orders permanently enjoin the companies from entering into agreements setting common brand safety standards or restricting advertising based on politically motivated criteria.