NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) – New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman announced agreement deals with Machinima Inc. and three other companies over allegations of posting fraudulent content on the Internet.
Each company, as part of each settlement, will pay a penalty ranging from $20,000 to $50,000.
“Consumers rely on reviews and other endorsements on the Internet to inform themselves in making daily purchasing decisions,” Schneiderman said. “This investigation continues my office’s historical work into ‘astroturfing’ over the Internet and signals to companies that consumers deserve honesty and transparency in their reviews, endorsements and related content.”
Machinima, a California-based online entertainment network, distributes video content about video games and the gaming culture via its YouTube channel and other social media accounts.
The other companies are Premier Retail Group Inc., Here2Four Inc. and Rani Spa. Premier Retail Group is a chain of cosmetic and beauty supply stores. These stores offer skin treatment under the Infinite Beauty brand.
Here2Four, which does business as ESIOH Internet Marketing, provides digital services such as social media marketing, search engine optimization and website monitoring. It is based in California.
Rani Spa provides spa and related services throughout New York and Long Island. Services include skin care treatments, hair treatments and massages.