As a result of The New York Times' investigation into Devumi, a social media marketing company, Senators Jerry Moran and Richard Blumenthal wrote to the Federal Trade Commission ("FTC"), requesting that it investigate Devumi for deceptive and unfair practices. The Senators alleged that Devumi uses bots to create fake social media accounts, engaging in "a unique kind of identity theft."
Devumi allegedly uses "an estimated stock of at least 3.5 million automated accounts," and at least 55,000 of these accounts use "the names, profile pictures, hometowns and other personal details of real Twitter users, including minors."
Senators Moran and Blumenthal argued that Devumi's practices have likely resulted in widespread consumer harm. In their letter, they requested that the FTC bring enforcement actions against Devumi for deceptive or unfair marketing practices.
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"[W]e urge you to use all the tools at your disposal to take immediate action to investigate this company...."
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/01.31.2018%20Letter%20to%20FTC%20re%20Devumi%20and%20Fake%20Followers.pdfThis alert provides general coverage of its subject area. We provide it with the understanding that Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz is not engaged herein in rendering legal advice, and shall not be liable for any damages resulting from any error, inaccuracy, or omission. Our attorneys practice law only in jurisdictions in which they are properly authorized to do so. We do not seek to represent clients in other jurisdictions.