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On December 23, 2021, the Federal Trade Commission (Commission) issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking that proposed to commence a rulemaking proceeding to address certain deceptive or unfair acts or practices of impersonation of government and business officials. 86 FR 72901 (Dec. 23, 2021). The comment period closed on February 22, 2022. On October 17, 2022, the Commission issued a notice of proposed rulemaking. 87 FR 62741 (Oct. 17, 2022). The public comment period closed on December 16, 2022. The Commission held an Impersonation Informal Hearing on May 4, 2023, and reviewed the record from that hearing and public comments received in response to the NPRM.

On March 1, 2024, the Commission issued a Final Rule promulgating the Trade Regulation Rule on Impersonation of Government and Businesses (Impersonation Rule). 89 FR 15017 (March 1, 2024). The Rule was effective on April 1, 2024. The Commission also issued a Supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (SNPRM) seeking comments to amend the Rule as promulgated. 89 FR 15072 (March 1, 2024). The comment period for the SNPRM closed on April 30, 2024.