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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.

Government Announces Name and Shame Reforms for Failing Social Housing Providers

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, alongside the Housing Ombudsman and Regulator of Social Housing, announced measures to strengthen social housing regulation, including a 'name and shame' policy for landlords breaching consumer standards or facing severe maladministration findings. The government will publicise breaches on social media and launched a Resident Panel of around 250 social tenants to give residents a direct voice in shaping reforms.

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.