Antitrust Law Daily Wrap Up, ANTITRUST NEWS: FTC, states settle collusion claims against Havas Media Group, (Jul 7, 2026)
Organizations Mentioned:Havas Media Group U.S. LLC
By WK Editorial Staff
The advertising agency allegedly colluded as part of the “big Six” group to demonetize certain political viewpoints.
The FTC announced that advertising agency Havas Media Group USA LLC (Havas) has agreed to a proposed FTC order to resolve allegations brought by the agency and a coalition of states that it engaged in unlawful collusion that led to the demonetization of disfavored political viewpoints. The complaint against Havas filed in the federal district court in Fort Worth, Texas, follows similar allegations brought against major U.S. advertising agencies WPP, Publicis and Dentsu by the FTC in April 2026. The proposed settlement with Havas is similar to settlement orders finalized with WPP, Publicis, Dentsu and Omnicom/IPG (FTC v. Havas Media Group USA LLC, No. 4:26-cv-00469-P (N.D. Tex. Jul. 7, 2026)).
As alleged in the latest complaint against Havas and in the April 2026 complaint, the advertising agencies, known as the “Big Six,” unlawfully colluded to impose common “brand safety” standards across the digital advertising industry. These “brand safety” standards violated the antitrust laws by insulating the agencies from competition, according to the FTC’s complaint. The FTC resolved similar issues involving Omnicom and IPG in an order related to a proposed merger settlement in September 2025. Havas is now the final member of the Big Six subject to an order resolving allegations of unlawful collusion.
If approved by a federal judge, the proposed order prohibits Havas from entering into agreements that would set common brand safety standards or restrict advertising based on biased and politically motivated criteria.
The Case is No. 4:26-cv-00469-P.
Attorneys: James Uthmeier, Office of the Attorney General, for the State of Florida. Theodore E. Rokita, Office of the Attorney General, for the State of Indiana. Brenna Bird, Office of the Attorney General, for the State of Iowa.
Companies: Havas Media Group U.S. LLC
News: Antitrust ConsumerProtection FederalTradeCommissionNews TexasNews