X/Twitter has some explaining to do regarding some of it’s allegedly unmarked ads. Earlier this week, Check My Ads, a non-profit advertisements watchdog filed a formal complaint against X/Twitter with the FTC. Check My Ads alleges the following:
- X/Twitter misrepresents the methods employed to target users or facilitate third-party ad targeting;
- X/Twitter misrepresents the disclosure and labeling methods to advertisers;
- X/Twitter explains its user targeting practices via hyperlinks that are frequently broken.
Check My Ads is asking for the following relief:
- Get X to create a public database detailing all advertising on the platform.
- Get X to clearly label all ads.
- Fine the company for violating a 2022 order that prohibits X from misrepresenting its ad practices.
- Require X to give up its ill-gotten advertising gains.
-
This complaint follows similar allegations in September by Check My Ads founder Co-Founder Nandini Jammi:
Check My Ads isn’t the only group that has noted seeing these unmarked ads. TechCrunch, for example, recently explained that it saw this in their timeline:
So what do they want?
Check My Ads is seeking the following from the FTC:
- Get X to create a public database detailing all advertising on the platform.
- Get X to clearly label all ads.
- Fine the company for violating a 2022 order that prohibits X from misrepresenting its ad practices.
- Require X to give up its ill-gotten advertising gains.
- Provide any other relief the Commission thinks is appropriate.
The Verdict:
The FTC has really been cracking down on advertisement disclosures as of recent. We fully expect them to take this one seriously.
