On April 4, the CFPB published a new Issue Spotlight, titled “Banking in Video Games and Virtual Worlds” that analyzes the increased commercial activity within online video games and virtual worlds and the apparent risks to consumers—in this case, to online gamers. In particular, this report examines how “game assets” are being used and the associated risks, including the emergence of products or services that resemble traditional consumer financial products or services. Continue Reading Report Signals CFPB Taking Aim at Video Game and Virtual Worlds Industries

On March 15, the CFPB issued a Request for Information (RFI) about data broker business practices to inform planned rulemaking under the FCRA and provide the CFPB with insight into the full scope of the data broker industry. In particular, CFPB is seeking information about (i) new business models that sell consumer data and (ii) consumer harm and market abuses.Continue Reading CFPB Launches Inquiry into the Business Practices of Data Brokers

On February 28, 2023, the FTC and the CFPB issued a joint request for information (“RFI”) seeking public comment on background checks used to screen potential tenants for rental housing. As part of the RFI, the FTC and the CFPB are asking current tenants, prospective tenants, advocacy groups, commercial and individual landlords, property managers, background screening companies, other consumer reporting agencies, and others to weigh in on a wide array of issues that affect tenant screening, such as:Continue Reading CFPB, FTC Seek Public Comment on Tenant Background Checks

On November 15, the FTC announced a six month extension to the deadline for companies to comply with the Safeguards Rule. The Safeguards Rule requires non-banking financial institutions, such as mortgage brokers, motor vehicle dealers, and payday lenders, to develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive security program to keep their customers’ information safe (we discussed the Safeguards Rule in a previous blog post here). The deadline for complying with some of the updated requirements of the Safeguards Rule is now June 9, 2023.
Continue Reading FTC Extends Deadline for Safeguards Rule Compliance to June 9, 2023