• March 18, 2008

The Federal Trade Commission Monday posted details of ValueClick's agreement to pay $2.9 million to settle charges that it violated the federal Can-Spam Act.

Among other requirements, ValueClick agreed to conspicuously disclose that consumers have to spend money or incur other obligations to qualify for "free" merchandise.

As part of the settlement, ValueClick has to obtain independent third-party evaluations of its programs for the next 20 years. The settlement marks the third time in recent months that the FTC has settled a case stemming from ads for "free" merchandise.

-- Wendy Davis