Explore Talent Settles FTC Claims Regarding COPPA Violations

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The FTC alleged that Explore Talent violated the FTC Act by pushing the purchase of their premium services by telling consumers that casting directors were interested in talking with them or had already chosen them for upcoming work. Under their “pro membership,” members of the site pay $39.95 per month and advertised the opportunity for members to apply for potential openings. Telemarketers are accused of lying to consumers to get them to purchase the memberships. The complaint stated that one consumer was told by Explore Talent that a casting director for a sequel to “Jack Reacher” wanted the consumer to audition for a speaking part, but that they couldn’t do that unless they purchased a pro membership. The consumer contacted the casting director and was informed that the sequel wasn’t using Explore Talent and all of the speaking roles were filled.

Explore Talent Will Pay $235,000 in Civil Damages

The settlement agreement between Explore Talent and the FTC reads, in part, that the defendant agreed to pay $500,000 in civil damages. It is partially suspended once Explore Talent pays $235,000. The business is also ordered to comply with COPA requirements and to delete information it previously collected on children under the age of 13.