The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is an independent agency of the U.S. government tasked with protecting consumers from deceptive or unfair business practices. It was established in 1914 with the passage of the Federal Trade Commission Act and has since grown to become one of the most influential regulatory bodies in the country.
The FTC actively works to ensure the fairness of the marketplace by enforcing federal laws, supervisory, and investigatory authority. Some of these laws include the provision of data and open information regarding trade practices, such as online data that helps consumers make informed decisions. In addition, the FTC enforces consumer protection provisions, like those which guard against fraud, limitation of access to certain markets, and privacy protection, including data access practices.
To carry out its mission, the FTC has several functions. It works with other enforcement agencies to ensure the fair and open competition among businesses. It establishes antitrust regulations to prevent monopolies, and it has the power to enforce consumer laws by suing companies for unfair or misleading practices.
The FTC also works to educate consumers on responsible business practices by publishing educational materials and providing information to businesses on responsible trade practices. It does this through its “Consumer Protection and Advertising Guidelines” and its “Business Advertisers Guide,” both of which are available online.
With these educational materials and regulatory enforcement powers, the FTC works to protect American consumers from deceptive and unfair trade practices. By actively monitoring and enforcing federal laws, the FTC works to ensure the fairness of the marketplace and make sure businesses don’t take advantage of their consumers.