Conclusions from an April 2012  workshop on mobile payment technologies and three major issues they raise for consumers.  From the Federal Trade Commission

Tracks food products  introduced from 1989 to 2010 to better understand the adoption of voluntary health- and nutrition-related claims by companies. From the Economic Research Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture

About 20 federal government agencies are involved in supporting U.S. exports directly or indirectly.  This report discusses what they do and whether such efforts could be revised to promote greater efficiency  and effectiveness.  From the Congressional Research Service, posted by the Federation of American Scientists

Press release with details about the exaggerated mileage claims from the Korean automakers and what is being done about it.  From the Environmental Protection Agency

Rachel will no longer be calling you from Cardholder Services!  Federal authorities announced the shutdown of 5 companies accused of llegal robocall operations .  From the Federal Trade Commission

Press release on conditions found at the New England pharmacy facility which caused an outbreak of meningitis.  Includes links to the inspection report, FAQ document, and an update on the fungal meningitis outbreak.  From the Food and Drug Administration

Recommendations from the federal government on the protection of consumer privacy by commercial operators that use facial recognition technologies in digital signs or other devices.  From the Federal Trade Commission

Contains statistical data on the registrations in the Registry, the subscriptions of telemarketers accessing phone numbers on the Registry, and the complaints consumers submit about violations of the do-not-call rules.   From the Federal Trade Commission

Reports on smokeless tobacco products sales, advertising and promotion by the five largest companies.  From the Federal Trade Commission

Reports on cigarette sales, advertising, and promotion by the five largest U.S. cigarette manufacturers.  From the Federal Trade Commission

Revisions to the regulations, known as Green Guides,  that protect consumers against unfair or deceptive environmental marketing claims by businesses.  Includes new sections on carbon offsets, green certifications, and renewable energy claims.  From the Federal Trade Commission

When do political ads become campaign activity?  This report examines the standard for determining whether something is campaign activity under the Internal Revenue Code–whether it exhibits a preference for or against a candidate—and rulings that have been issued by the IRS to determine when issue advocacy is electioneering.  From the Congressional Research Service, posted by the Federation of American Scientists

This report discusses the sale of firearms and ammunition over the Internet with a focus on the extent to which federal law regulates such activity.  From the Congressional Research Service, posted by the Federation of American Scientists

Press release with details of case, involving the largest fine ever for violation of a Commission order,  in which the federal authorities charged Google with deceiving browser users that it would not place tracking cookies or serve targeted ads to those users.   From the Federal Trade Commission

New public database which allows the public to examine the public inspection files of TV broadcast stations in top media markets.  The files include information about political ads sold or time given away by each station.  From the Federal Communications Commission

Results of actual performance tests for the quality of service received by thousands of subscribers from their Internet service providers.  Finds that the average ISP delivered 96% of advertised download speed during peak periods.  From the Federal Communications Commission

Explains how the 80/20 rule, a.ka. the Medical Loss Ratio rule works as part of the Affordable Care Act.  Insurance companies submitted their initial reports on 6/1/2012 and those that exceeded 20% for administrative or advertising expenses will rebate an estimated $1.1 billion to premium payers.  From the Department of Health and Human Services

Discusses the role of the Food and Drug Administration in regulating the safety and effectiveness of drugs sold in the U.S. in two phases: the approval of new drugs heading to market, and the regulating of approved drugs including proper use and advertising.  From the Congressional Research Service, posted by the Federation of American Scientists

Press release with links to the Agreement containing the Consent Order and more.  Myspace agreed to implement a comprehensive privacy program  which calls for independent privacy assessments for the next 20 years.   From the Federal Trade Commission

Examines recent changes in the trans fats content of food products and the use of “no trans fats” claims on product packages.  From the Economic Research Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture

The federal government spent about $750 million on advertising functions in 2011, the lowest figure since 2003.  This report explains how the estimates are obtained and what restrictions apply to government advertising.  From the Congressional Research Service, posted by the Federation of American Scientists

Reviews the “pink slime” controversy by discussing the nature of lean finely textured beef, the regulation and labeling requirements for ammonium hydroxide, and the fallout from the media discussion of the product.  From the Congressional Research Service, posted by the Federation of American Scientists

Reports results of a literature review on the effects of arts experiences on audiences and how such effects can be measured.  From the National Endowment for the Arts

Calls upon businesses to implement best practices by making privacy the default setting for commercial data practices and by giving consumers greater control over the collection and use of their personal data.  From the Federal Trade Commission

Reviews the recent history of Congressional oversight of executive agency public relations activities and expenditures, legal limits that have been placed on such activities, and the effect of new media formats on the efforts to exercise oversight.  From the Congressional Research Service, posted by the Federation of American Scientists

Genetic tests for predisposition to diseases are being marketed directly to consumers over the Internet.  This note explores the scientific, regulatory, and ethical issues related to such products.  From the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology

Press release about new advertising campaign entitled “Tips from Former  Smokers,” about living with the harsh realities of smoking-related illnesses.  Includes links to more information about the former smokers featured in the campaign.  From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Reviews the history and effectiveness of British government bans on the advertising of unhealthy foods aimed at children under 16.  Reports that children viewed 37% less advertising for junk food due to the ban.  From the Library of the House of Commons

This report examines in detail the epidemiology, health effects, and causes of tobacco use among youth ages 12 through 17 and young adults ages 18 through 25.  Includes results of research that determine that smoking by youths results in accelerated deterioration of lung function in later life.  Also examines the social, environmental, advertising, and marketing influences that encourage youth to begin smoking.

Proposal of the Obama Administration to strengthen consumer privacy by allowing individuals to take advantage of  Do Not Track technology  to control online tracking of their web browsing and its use for other than advertising purposes.  From the White House