What was the original purpose of the Federal Trade Commission Act?
What was the original purpose of the Federal Trade Commission Act?
The original purpose of the Federal Trade Commission Act, passed in 1914, was to enforce antitrust laws. This act aimed to prevent unfair business practices and promote fair competition in the marketplace. Although the FTC's mandate has since expanded to include consumer protection, its initial primary function was the enforcement of antitrust legislation.
IT'S ORIGINAL PURPOSE WAS TO ENFORCE ANTITRUST LAWS
IAPP book, Section 3.3, first sentence. "The FTC was founded in 1914 to enforce antitrust laws, and its general consumer protection mission was established by a statutory change in 1938." In particular in considering this answer, note that the FTC Act was initially passed in 1914.
per the FTC Board, it was do protect the consumer.
The FTC enforces federal consumer protection laws that prevent fraud, deception and unfair business practices. The Commission also enforces federal antitrust laws that prohibit anticompetitive mergers and other business practices that could lead to higher prices, fewer choices, or less innovation. Whether combating telemarketing fraud, Internet scams or price-fixing schemes, the FTC’s mission is to protect consumers and promote competition.
The future of federal enforcement will continue to build on core directives of the FTC to protect consumers and encourage competition. According to the FTC's “Comment on the Future of Privacy” in 2018, the FTC sees a future of continued enforcement of unfair and deceptive trade practices with respect to privacy and security.