Federal Trade Commission

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is an independent agency of the United States government tasked with promoting consumer protection and competition. Created in 1914 and based in Washington, D.C., it is led by a bipartisan commission whose members are appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate. The FTC enforces laws against unfair or deceptive business practices and anticompetitive conduct, reviews proposed mergers, issues rules and guidance, and conducts studies and reports on markets. It can bring administrative actions and seek remedies in federal court, and it operates bureaus focused on consumer protection, competition, and economics. The agency shares antitrust authority with the Department of Justice and works with other regulators on matters such as privacy and advertising.