FTC weighs making platforms answer for impersonation scams they help spread

On 24 September 2026 the FTC said it is considering updating its Rule on Impersonation of Government and Businesses to address the role of search engines, social media and other digital marketplace platforms in furthering impersonation scams, and asked for public comment. The advance notice was published in the Federal Register on 1 October 2026.

What it means Platforms that surface ads, listings or agent-generated content could become liable for scams they amplify; the comment window is the moment to weigh in.