The earlier settlement resolved FTC charges that Google used deceptive tactics and violated its privacy promises when it launched its social network, Google Buzz.

ENGADGET: Google to pay $22.5 million to settle FTC charges over tracking cookies in Apple's Safari browser

The FTC can then use its authority to prosecute "deceptive" behavior if companies that agree to the guidelines don't live up to their promises.

WSJ: FTC Urges Congress to Pass Digital-Privacy Law