FTC, Privacy, and You - Understanding the Federal Trade Commission's Role

Explore the role of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in promoting fair competition and protecting consumers in this 12-minute conference talk from PEPR '24. Gain insights into the FTC's dual mandate and the critical importance of data in both hindering competition and potentially harming consumers. Learn about the agency's century-long efforts to address emerging harms and technological developments, including the establishment of the Office of Technology in 2023. Discover how the FTC approaches technology and privacy issues, the role of technologists in supporting the agency's mission, and the alignment between privacy engineering skills and the FTC's needs. Understand the basics of the FTC as an agency, its authorities, and how it tackles complex technological challenges in today's digital landscape.