Consumer Issues

MPA is active on consumer protection issues on both the Federal and State level.  The main areas of interest on the Federal level revolve around consumer privacy, especially with regard to online activities and with respect to children.  Over a number of years, Congress has held hearings and proposed legislation with regard to general online privacy, data security – especially online, so-called spyware, and behavioral tracking of online activities.  These topics have also been the subject of numerous state legislative proposals.  Following enactment of the Can Spam act at the end of 2003, the Federal Trade Commission has been active in finalizing rules implementing the Act, which governs email marketing practices.  In addition to state activities with regard to privacy issues, each year brings several state proposals on marketing practices that affect magazines, especially trial offers, automatic renewal, and disclosure of subscription expiration dates.