Carlos Jose Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo were sentenced to life without the possibility of parole in the 2024 murder of Hussein “Sam” Murray.
FTC Seeking Public Comment on Ad Endorsement Guidelines
It comes as part of the agency’s regular review of current rules and guides.
New York—The Federal Trade Commission is asking the public for comment on whether it should make changes to the current Endorsement Guides.
The move comes as part of its systematic review of all current rules and guides.
The Endorsement Guides, formally known as the Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising, were first enacted in 1980 and then amended in 2009.
They provide guidance to businesses and individuals to ensure that advertising through endorsements or testimonials follows the requirements of the FTC Act.
One of the key guidelines is that when there is a connection between an endorser and a seller of an advertised product that could affect the credibility of the endorsement, the connection has to be clearly and conspicuously disclosed.
In a proposed Federal Register notice, the FTC it is seeking comment on several questions, including:
--whether the practices addressed in the guidelines are often seen in the market and whether the guide is effective at addressing them;
--if changes in technology or the economy requires changes to the guides;
--how well advertisers and endorsers are disclosing connections on social media; and
--if kids can understand disclosures and how they might affect their decisions.
The FTC started cracking down on advertising disclosure in 2016, filing complaints against Lord & Taylor and Warner Bros.
The following April, the agency sent out more than 90 letters to celebrities, athletes and other influencers, reminding them to disclose any relationships they might have with brands when they’re promoting them on social media. This marked the first time it had reached out directly to social media influencers to “educate” them.
In November 2019, it also released a guide simplifying the information and giving clear examples.
Jewelers Vigilance Committee President Tiffany Stevens said the news about the FTC seeking public comment was an “encouraging sign,” noting it indicates the FTC is prioritizing ensuring its guidelines are keeping up with the market.
For those who want to provide comment directly to the FTC, they can be submitted on Regulations.gov.
Stevens said as the JVC continues to work closely with the FTC on jewelry-related issues, they also are happy to receive comment from the trade to provide feedback to the agency on the matter in either a formal or informal manner.
She also noted that once revisions to the guidelines are released, if any, the JVC will help translate those changes for the industry.
The Latest

The New Orleans jeweler is also hosting pop-up jewelry boutiques in New York City and Dallas.

Set in a Tiffany & Co. necklace, it sold for $4.2 million, the highest price and price per carat paid for a Paraíba tourmaline at auction.

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

The jeweler’s “Deep Freeze” display showcases its iconic jewelry designs frozen in a vintage icebox.


Take luxury gifting to new heights this holiday season with the jeweler’s showstopping 12-carat sphene ring.

This year's theme is “Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean.”

Roseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.

In its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.

Starting Jan. 1, customers can request the service for opal, peridot, and demantoid garnet.

The 111-year-old retailer celebrated the opening of its new location in Salem, New Hampshire, which is its third store in the state.

The new catalog features its most popular chains as well as new styles.

The filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.

The new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.

Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.

“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.

Silas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.

The sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.

Most customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.

The collection features characters and motifs from Ukrainian folklore, including an enchanted mirror and a magic egg.

MatrixGold 3.11, the newest version of the jewelry design program, offers more flexibility, precision, and creative control.

The pavilion will be part of the 2026 JA New York Spring show, scheduled for March 15 to 17.

Kadet, a 1994 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductee, helped grow the family-owned retailer in the Chicago area and beyond.

Billed as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.

Don’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.

The new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.

A choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.





















