In early 2025, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) unveiled a series of regulatory updates aimed at enhancing transparency and corporate responsibility across a wide array of industries. These revisions are a response to the growing public demand for ethical corporate conduct and come on the heels of several high-profile violations of consumer trust. For general counsels and compliance officers, these new guidelines represent a pivotal shift in expectations and enforcement priorities.
The new FTC regulations focus heavily on digital transparency, data handling, and clearer disclosures regarding consumer rights. Businesses must now explicitly communicate how customer data is used, retained, or shared — and they must do so in language that is understandable to the average consumer. This is a departure from the past, where legal disclaimers buried in privacy policies were sufficient.
In addition, the FTC is placing greater emphasis on internal compliance education. Companies will be expected to train employees regularly on ethical marketing, proper data use, and consumer protections. Periodic internal audits are no longer optional but essential, and organizations that fail to conduct or document such efforts could face penalties or public scrutiny.
The penalties for non-compliance are also evolving. Previously, infractions were often met with fines and warnings. Now, the FTC has suggested it will pursue more aggressive civil and even criminal penalties in cases of willful neglect or repeated violation. Furthermore, the agency will make greater use of public shaming tactics — such as publishing non-compliant companies on their enforcement dashboard — to leverage consumer awareness and pressure.
Multinational corporations must also be aware of cross-border implications. Many of the FTC's digital transparency principles align with similar regulations in the European Union and Canada, meaning businesses can no longer treat compliance as a regionally confined task.
These changes present both a challenge and an opportunity for companies that want to lead in responsible governance. For those willing to engage proactively, there is a clear path to strengthening brand trust and operational resilience.
Harrington Morris Legal offers regulatory audits, compliance training, and real-time advisory services to help you stay ahead of these evolving standards. Whether you need policy rewrites, internal workshops, or a full compliance framework assessment, our attorneys are prepared to help your business remain not only compliant but confident.