FTC Reviews Publicis-LiveRamp Deal and Invites the Public's Two Cents
Published Date: 10/23/2026
Notice
Summary
The FTC is reviewing a deal between Publicis and LiveRamp that might have broken competition rules. They’ve proposed a consent order to fix the issues and want the public’s thoughts by November 23, 2026. This affects both companies and aims to keep the market fair without any immediate money changes announced.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
LiveRamp must supply data non‑discriminatorily
For a period of five years, Publicis and LiveRamp must act as a non‑discriminatory supplier of LiveRamp's data connectivity services to current and future LiveRamp customers. The Order bars discrimination in access, customer and technical support, price, product functionality, technology, and product and platform choice.
Firewalls and bans on using customer data
Publicis must establish firewalls so it cannot access, use, transfer, or commingle LiveRamp customer data or confidential business information for the benefit of Publicis's products and services. Certain employees who receive any LiveRamp customer confidential business information must receive training about these restrictions.
Order protections last five years
The Order's obligations and protections terminate five years from the date the Order is issued. The non‑discrimination, firewall, audit, and related requirements are therefore time‑limited to that five‑year period.
Compliance audits and customer-requested audits
Publicis must hire an independent auditor to audit compliance every six months for the first two years after the Acquisition and then once a year thereafter. LiveRamp customers may request an audit up to once a year, and the Order requires that audit results be provided to the Commission; the Order also provides for third‑party mediation for disputes about compliance.
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Key Dates
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