Ad firms settle with Trump FTC over claims they boycotted conservative media

The Federal Trade Commission pressured three advertising firms into settlements yesterday over claims they boycotted conservative media. The FTC and eight US states filed a lawsuit against Dentsu, Publicis, and WPP in US District Court for the Northern District of Texas, simultaneously announcing the settlements. The complaint alleges a conspiracy by "various interested parties to demonetize disfavored conservative news and opinion sites by denying them digital advertising revenue." The FTC claimed the firms "unlawfully colluded to impose common 'brand safety' standards" starting in 2018, operating through trade associations to establish a "Brand Safety Floor" to target "misinformation." These settlements will likely result in more ad spending on conservative media platforms.