FTC Probe Expands to Ad Verification Firm IAS Over Alleged Media Boycotts

Disinformation research group GDI says FTC ordered IAS to hand over business records as part of wider investigation.

Feb. 7, 2026 at 12:31pm

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The U.S. Federal Trade Commission's investigation into alleged advertiser boycotts of right-wing media has expanded to include ad-verification firm Integral Ad Science (IAS), according to a lawsuit filed by the nonprofit research group Global Disinformation Index (GDI). The FTC has issued Civil Investigative Demand letters to at least 16 media credibility and news rating organizations, including IAS, as part of the probe launched last year under the leadership of Trump appointee Andrew Ferguson.

Why it matters

The FTC probe raises concerns about potential government overreach and retaliation against organizations that have criticized or taken action against right-wing media outlets. The investigation could have broader implications for the advertising industry and media landscape if it is found that there was collusion to boycott certain publishers.

The details

According to the lawsuit filed by GDI, the FTC ordered IAS and GDI to hand over business records as part of the investigation. GDI alleges that IAS cut ties with GDI amid the FTC scrutiny, and that GDI's business has suffered as a result. The lawsuit claims the CID letters issued by the FTC are retaliatory and violate GDI's First Amendment rights.

  • In June 2025, the FTC launched an investigation into purported collusion among media credibility groups to boycott conservative media platforms and publishers.
  • In December 2025, IAS announced it would discontinue using GDI's risk assessments for its brand safety product.

The players

Integral Ad Science (IAS)

An ad-verification firm that is one of 16 media credibility and news rating organizations being investigated by the FTC over alleged advertiser boycotts of right-wing media.

Global Disinformation Index (GDI)

A nonprofit research group that filed a lawsuit against the FTC, alleging the CID letters issued as part of the investigation are retaliatory and violate GDI's First Amendment rights.

Andrew Ferguson

A Trump appointee who is the current chairman of the FTC and launched the investigation into alleged media boycotts.

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What’s next

The lawsuit filed by GDI is seeking a preliminary injunction to temporarily bar the FTC from investigating the organization.

The takeaway

The FTC's expanding probe into alleged media boycotts by advertising industry groups raises concerns about potential government overreach and the chilling effect it could have on organizations that criticize or take action against certain media outlets, particularly those with conservative leanings.