What does Federal Trade Commission do?

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is an independent U.S. federal agency established in 1914. Its primary mission is to enforce antitrust laws, prevent unfair competition, and protect consumers from deceptive business practices. The agency operates through law enforcement, advocacy, research, and education, aiming to foster a fair marketplace and an informed public. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the FTC has about 1,000 employees and a budget of approximately $500 million. It consists of three main bureaus: the Bureau of Consumer Protection, which addresses deceptive practices and fraud; the Bureau of Competition, which focuses on antitrust enforcement and merger reviews; and the Bureau of Economics, which provides economic analysis for the agency's decisions. The FTC engages in various activities, including investigating fraud, reviewing mergers, and conducting educational programs for consumers and businesses.