What is the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC)? US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Review

1. Job Responsibilities

Generally speaking, the FTC's work is mainly to prevent behavior that may harm consumers. When Congress, administrative agencies, or other independent agencies, as well as state and local governments need to discuss policy, the FTC will provide relevant information.

The FTC can conduct investigations in different ways. Letters from consumers, requests from businesses or Congress, or articles about consumer and economic issues may lead the FTC to take action.

Such investigations can be public or private, but generally speaking, FTC investigations are kept private to protect the company and the investigation itself.

2. Control Objectives

If the Federal Trade Commission believes that a company has violated regulations, it must first sign an agreement with the company and then obtain the company's voluntary cooperation.

When a company signs this agreement, it does not have to admit that it has violated the law, but it must agree to stop the controversial behavior that caused the consumer complaint. If the two parties cannot reach a consensus, the Federal Trade Commission will file or file an administrative complaint.

Once a regulatory complaint is filed or presented, it is like a trial before a judge: evidence is presented, testimony is heard, witnesses are questioned and cross-examined. If a violation is found, an injunction or other appropriate statement is made. The initial decision made by the judge should reflect the wishes of the entire committee.

The final outcome of the trial should be determined by the Commission and reflect the will of the U.S. District Court. If the Commission is in favor of the position, the FTC may seek certain consumer damages in court. Conversely, if the company has violated the law, the FTC may also seek civil damages or an injunction.

In some cases, the FTC goes directly to court to seek injunctions, civil damages, or consumer redress. This usually occurs in ongoing consumer deception or fraud cases.

By going directly to court to seek injunctions or damages, the FTC can prevent deceptive practices before more consumers are deceived.

In addition to the responsibility of enforcing mandatory laws, the Federal Trade Commission also, at the request of Congress, expands the impact of its policies through non-mandatory measures, such as consumer education.

3. Current Leadership

Delegate Chair: Rebecca Kelly Slaughter

References

• 1. U.S. Federal Trade Commission: Baidu Encyclopedia