Ad agencies settle FTC boycott charges

Three major advertising agencies, WPP, Publicis, and Dentsu, have reached a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and eight states. The agencies were accused of unlawfully colluding to boycott digital ad placements. According to the FTC's complaint, these firms allegedly used trade associations to implement uniform 'brand safety' standards and target specific advertising practices. This resolution addresses concerns over anti-competitive behavior within the digital advertising market, aiming to restore fair competition and prevent future instances of such alleged collusion.