Search Results for keywords:"Director's Order

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has proposed a consent agreement with Flo Health, Inc., a company accused of sharing users' menstrual and fertility data without their consent, violating laws against deceptive business practices. Flo Health had promised users their information would remain private but allegedly shared it with third parties like Facebook and Google. The proposed order, open for public comment, requires Flo Health to improve its privacy practices, notify users of the data sharing, and obtain users' express consent before sharing personal health information again. Additionally, there's a debate among FTC commissioners about whether further enforcement actions, such as applying the Health Breach Notification Rule, should be taken against Flo Health.

EnCap Investments L.P., Verdun Oil Company II LLC, XCL Resources Holdings, LLC, and EP Energy LLC have petitioned the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to change and remove certain prior approval requirements in a decision made on September 13, 2022. The companies argue that these requirements are unnecessary since they no longer operate in the affected area and claim the regulations negatively impact competition and investment. They also highlight significant changes in the competitive landscape of the Uinta Basin, such as increased production and changes in market participants. The FTC is seeking public comments on this petition until April 30, 2025.

The Softwood Lumber Research, Promotion, Consumer Education and Industry Information Order has been amended to increase the assessment rate from $0.35 to $0.41 per thousand board feet. This rule is administered by the Softwood Lumber Board under the oversight of the Agricultural Marketing Service of the USDA. The additional funds will support ongoing and new initiatives to promote softwood lumber. This change follows the review of past expenditures and revenues and aims to support the lumber industry's growth, addressing both current challenges and new opportunities.

Chevron Corporation and Hess Corporation have requested the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to review and nullify a previous order from January 17, 2025. This order stopped Chevron's efforts to appoint Hess CEO John B. Hess to Chevron's board following their merger, which was seen as potentially harming competition by increasing industry coordination. Chevron and Hess argue that the order lacks a valid antitrust basis, claiming that Mr. Hess's role would not significantly affect competition or oil prices, and that removing the order would be in the public interest to enhance U.S. energy production. The FTC is inviting the public to comment on this petition until May 12, 2025.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has accepted a proposed consent agreement to address anticompetitive practices by Guardian Service Industries, Inc. The company was found to have used "No-Hire Agreements" that prevented other businesses from hiring its employees, which the FTC claims are unfair methods of competition under federal law. The proposed consent order will make these agreements void and includes measures to inform affected parties. Some FTC commissioners have expressed dissent, arguing that there was insufficient evidence of antitrust violations. The public can submit comments on this proposed agreement until January 6, 2025.

MIAX Sapphire, LLC, an exchange, filed a Minor Rule Violation Plan (MRVP) with the Securities and Exchange Commission. This plan allows the exchange to handle minor rule violations internally, imposing fines up to $2,500 without needing formal disciplinary proceedings, provided they report these violations to the Commission quarterly. The Commission approved this plan, stating it supports efficient enforcement while maintaining compliance with important regulations. The MRVP includes certain rule violations that don't warrant formal proceedings, giving MIAX Sapphire flexibility in its enforcement actions.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has proposed a consent order to address alleged anticompetitive practices by the private equity firm Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe. The firm was accused of violating several federal laws by consolidating anesthesia services in Texas through its company, U.S. Anesthesia Partners, Inc., which led to increased prices. The proposed order seeks to limit Welsh Carson's influence over this company and requires them to obtain FTC approval for future acquisitions in anesthesia and related medical fields to prevent similar monopolistic behavior. The public has until March 20, 2025, to submit comments on this proposed consent order.

On November 19, 2024, MIAX Emerald, LLC filed a proposed minor rule violation plan (MRVP) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This plan allows the exchange to address certain rule violations with fines not exceeding $2,500, without having to report these minor infractions immediately to the SEC. Instead, the exchange will provide a quarterly report detailing such violations. The SEC found this proposal meets public interest standards and enables the exchange to manage oversight responsibilities more efficiently.

Jesse Rodriguez was convicted in 2019 for illegally handling and selling ammunition classified as defense articles. As a result, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has revoked his export privileges for five years, effective until January 16, 2024. This order prohibits Rodriguez from participating in any export-related activities, and it also cautions others against aiding him in such activities. Rodriguez has the option to appeal this decision within 45 days.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) budget and annual accounting support fee for 2025, in accordance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The SEC reviewed the PCAOB's proposed budget, ensuring it aligns with recoverable expenses, and emphasized the importance of operational efficiency. The PCAOB is directed to maintain regular communications with the SEC regarding any budget adjustments and to submit a reduced spending plan due to sequestration cuts. The Budget Control Act of 2011 requires sequestration of $22.8 million for 2025, slightly reducing available funds for the PCAOB.