An independent agency of the United States government, the Federal Trade Commission enforces civil antitrust law and promotes consumer protection. It shares jurisdiction over federal civil antitrust law enforcement with the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. The FTC was established in 1914 by the Federal Trade Commission Act, passed by the U.S. Congress in response to the 19th-century monopolistic trust crisis. Since its inception, the FTC has enforced provisions of the Clayton Act and the FTC Act, 15 U.S.C. § 41 et seq., and has been delegated the enforcement of additional business regulation statutes.
Consumer Protection
The FTC ensures fair competition and prohibits deceptive or unfair practices. It oversees online ads, endorsements, privacy, and checkout copy. False claims about features or results are within its scope. Testimonials require a material-connection disclosure, and data collection must be defensible. E-commerce must clearly state price, shipping, and business identity.
Antitrust Enforcement
The FTC enforces civil antitrust laws to prevent monopolistic practices and promote fair competition. It works alongside the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice to uphold these regulations.
Key Regulations
The FTC enforces several key regulations, including the Clayton Act and the FTC Act. It has also been delegated the enforcement of additional business regulation statutes over time.
Headquarters
The FTC is headquartered in the Federal Trade Commission Building in Washington, D.C.
