The FTC finalized an order with GoDaddy for failing to implement adequate data security measures and misleading consumers about its security and Privacy Shield compliance. The order prohibits misrepresentations, requires a comprehensive security program, and mandates independent assessments.
GoDaddy must stop making false security claims, establish and implement a comprehensive information-security program, and hire an independent third-party assessor to review the program.
In-house legal teams should review all vendor, customer, and data processing agreements where GoDaddy acts as a service provider. Focus on clauses related to data security obligations, representations/warranties about security measures and compliance certifications (especially Privacy Shield), audit and assessment rights, and breach notification requirements. Contracts may need amendments to: (1) remove or qualify any broad security claims or references to specific certifications like Privacy Shield; (2) incorporate specific, actionable security requirements aligned with the order's mandate for a comprehensive program (e.g., MFA, threat monitoring); (3) grant the company rights to conduct or require independent security assessments; and (4) ensure breach notification terms are robust and consistent with the order's expectations.
Entity
GoDaddy
Industry
TechnologyOfficial Press Release
https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2025/05/ftc-finalizes-order-godaddy-over-data-security-failures
ftc takes action against godaddy alleged lax data security i
https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2025/01/ftc-takes-action-against-godaddy-alleged-lax-data-security-its-website-hosting-services
Federal Trade Commission Enforcement Page
https://www.ftc.gov/enforcement
"GoDaddy"
"misled consumers by failing to implement data security protections, which led to several data breaches."
The FTC referred a complaint against REPS & Company Inc. and company executives, alleging they bypassed ticket-issuer security controls and purchasing limits to acquire millions of tickets for resale. The complaint was filed by the Department of Justice, and the case will be decided by the court; the press release does not report a penalty or other remedy imposed.
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$1.9M
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