Markets Wired

The Federal Trade Commission today announced the agenda for the 11th session of its Hearings Initiative, which will focus on the agency’s international work. The hearing, co-sponsored with the George Washington University Competition Law Center, will take place in Washington, D.C. on March 25-26, 2019 at the FTC’s headquarters building in room 432.

FTC Chairman Joe Simons will deliver opening remarks, followed by a presentation by current George Washington University Law Professor and former FTC Chairman William E. Kovacic, which will highlight international developments in competition, consumer protection, and privacy laws, enforcement, and policies, and explore their impact on the FTC’s mission and work. The first day will also feature panels on enforcement cooperation, along with discussion of international engagement and emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence.

The hearing’s second day will begin with opening remarks by Commissioner Noah Joshua Phillips and a presentation by Roger Alford, Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division. Commissioner Christine S. Wilson will also deliver a presentation. The day will include panel discussions addressing international policy cooperation, international engagement, and the FTC’s role in a changing world.

The following additional sessions of the FTC Hearings initiative have been announced and are upcoming:

March 20, 2019
Constitution Center Auditorium
400 7th St., SW, Washington, DC

• Competition and Consumer Protection Issues in U.S. Broadband Markets

March 25, 2019
FTC 5th Floor Conference Center, Constitution Center, SW Quadrant
400 7th St., SW, Washington, DC

• Roundtable with the State Attorneys General

April 9-10, 2019
Constitution Center Auditorium
400 7th St., SW, Washington, DC

• The FTC’s Approach to Consumer Privacy

April 12, 2019
FTC Headquarters, Room 432
600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington D.C.

The FTC Hearings on Competition and Consumer Protection in the 21st Century will accommodate as many attendees as possible; however, admittance will be limited to seating availability. Reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities are available upon request. Request for accommodations should be submitted to Elizabeth Kraszewski via email at ekraszewski@ftc.gov or by phone at (202) 326-3087. Such requests should include a detailed description of the accommodation needed. Please allow at least five days advance notice for accommodation requests; last minute requests will be accepted but may not be possible to accommodate.

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.