FTC Finalizes Settlements with Businesses that Exposed Consumers Sensitive Information by Installing Peer-to-Peer File-Sharing Software on Corporate Computer Systems

Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has accepted as final settlements with two operations it charged with illegally exposing the sensitive personal information of thousands of consumers by allowing peer-to-peer file-sharing software to be installed on their corporate computer systems.  Settlements with Utah-based debt collector EPN, Inc., and Georgia auto dealer Franklin Budget Car Sales, Inc., will bar misrepresentations about the privacy, security, confidentiality, and integrity of any personal information collected from consumers.  Both companies also must establish and maintain comprehensive information security programs.

The Commission vote approving the final orders and letters to the commenters was 5-0. (FTC File No. 112-3143 (EPN); FTC File No. 102-3094 (Franklin); staff contacts are Jessica Lyon (EPN) 202-326-2344 and Karen Jagielski (Franklin) 202-326-2509.

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