FTC Launches Investigation into Political Ad Spend on Social Platforms

TOI Entertainment Desk | TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Jul 05, 2025, 00:41 IST

( Image credit : TIL Creatives, TOIGLOBAL )

The Federal Trade Commission will investigate political campaigns' use of social media for ad targeting. Platforms like Meta, Google, and TikTok face scrutiny. The probe will analyze data usage and potential privacy violations. Concerns exist about dark-money campaigns and false messaging. This investigation precedes the 2026 midterms. Regulatory actions and transparency requirements are possible outcomes.

The Federal Trade Commission announced today that it has opened a major investigation into how political campaigns use social media platforms for ad targeting. The probe will analyze whether platforms like Meta, Google, and TikTok are using user data in ways that violate privacy rules and manipulate voter preferences.

The FTC’s scrutiny follows growing concerns from both parties about dark-money campaigns, false messaging, and microtargeting ahead of the 2026 midterms. A formal investigation is expected to begin later this month, potentially leading to regulatory actions and stricter transparency requirements for digital political ads.