The FTC
The FTC is an independent body of the US government whose main duties include promoting consumer protection and upholding civil (non-criminal) US antitrust law. Together with the Department of Justice Antitrust Division, the FTC is responsible for overseeing federal civil antitrust enforcement. The Federal Trade Commission Building in Washington, DC, serves as the organization’s headquarters.
In reaction to the monopolistic trust crises of the 19th century, the Federal Trade Commission Act, which became law in 1914, formed the FTC. Since its founding, the FTC has enforced both the provisions of the FTC Act, 15 U.S.C. 41 et seq., as well as the provisions of the Clayton Act, a significant antitrust act. The FTC has issued a number of regulations and has been given authority to enforce more company regulation laws over time.
The FTC currently has the broadest federal authority over safeguarding customer privacy. Through the FTC Act of 1914, Congress initially established...
