Federal Trade Commission Acting Chairman Maureen K. Ohlhausen announced several internal process reforms in the agency’s Bureau of Consumer Protection that will streamline information requests and improve transparency in Commission investigations. The reforms are part of Acting Chairman Ohlhausen’s efforts to further the agency’s mission to protect consumers and promote competition without unduly burdening legitimate business activity.
“It is our duty to carry out our vital mission in the most effective and efficient way possible,” said Acting Chairman Ohlhausen. “The changes announced today will reduce unnecessary and undue burdens of FTC investigations without compromising our ability to protect American consumers.”
This past April, Ohlhausen announced new internal Working Groups on Agency Reform and Efficiency to improve processes and focus resources where they will do the most good for the public. As part of this initiative, Ohlhausen directed the Bureau of Consumer Protection to identify best practices to streamline information requests and improve transparency in investigations. The process reforms announced today address CIDs (Civil Investigative Demands) in consumer protection cases, and include:
In addition, to ensure companies are aware of the status of investigations, the Bureau will adhere to its current practice of communicating with investigation targets concerning the status of investigations at least every six months after they comply with the CID.
The Acting Chairman initiated this project in part to address concerns raised by Members of Congress and the American Bar Association Antitrust Section’s Presidential Transition Report about the investigational burdens on legitimate companies. The agency continues to consider other reforms.
The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition, and protect and educate consumers. You can learn more about consumer topics and file a consumer complaint online or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357). Like the FTC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, read our blogs and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources.
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