FTC

FTC sues Hims & Hers over sharing health data

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has sued telehealth and consumer healthcare company Hims & Hers, alleging the company shared customers’ sensitive medical and healthcare information with advertisers and major tech firms including Meta and Snap, and misled consumers about its privacy practices. The FTC's complaint, filed in a California federal court, says Hims & Hers placed pixel-sized trackers from Meta, Snap, Microsoft, Pinterest, Reddit and X that captured and shared users’ health information. The complaint also accuses the company of deceptive billing practices and creating barriers to cancellation. Hims & Hers responded that its privacy policy enables users to choose how their data is used and said it will defend against the allegations. The action continues a pattern of FTC enforcement against healthcare-related companies over third-party web trackers.

Shein’s US growth hit by FTC probe, tariffs

Shein disclosed an investigation by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission in a Hong Kong filing as it prepares a Hong Kong IPO, warning a settlement is possible but outcomes are uncertain. The filing reported a net loss of about $99 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, versus a $395 million net income in the same period in 2025, attributed mainly to fair value losses on convertible redeemable preferred shares. Shein said U.S. net revenues dropped year-over-year while other regions grew, and that removal of the U.S. de minimis exemption in 2025 and evolving tariff/customs policies increased fulfillment expenses. Since May 2025 Shein has been passing most additional tariff costs to U.S. consumers via price increases.

Paramount Hires Beth Wilkinson for California Antitrust Trial

Paramount Global has hired veteran trial lawyer Beth Wilkinson to lead its defense in a high-stakes antitrust trial brought by the state of California challenging a proposed corporate transaction. Jeffrey Kessler, the prior lead counsel, will remain on the team in a supporting role. Wilkinson, co-founder of Wilkinson Stekloff, previously led the successful defense of Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard against the Federal Trade Commission. California authorities allege the transaction could harm competition in entertainment and media markets; Paramount argues the deal will enhance competition and consumer choice. The case is expected to involve extensive expert economic testimony, motions practice, discovery disputes, and a full evidentiary hearing.