FTC: Consumer Protection Themes in the 21st Century

May 4, 2006

Recently, the Federal Trade Commission has solicited comments to shape the agenda for its “2006 Hearings on Global Marketing and Technology.” In response, the Center for American Progress has suggested several ways consumer protection should be modified in light of 21st century challenges. As John Podesta, President and CEO of the Center for American Progress, and Peter Swire, visiting Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress, comment, "Our nation’s consumer protection paradigm was developed when business operated in radically different markets. In recent years, new online issues have arisen, and we have addressed them piecemeal, adding to the FTC’s responsibilities but not overall resources."

• Read a letter from Mr. Podesta and Mr. Swire on consumer protection in the 21st Century
• Read the Center for American Progress' suggested themes for the FTC's "2006 Hearings on Global Marketing and Technology."

Peter P. Swire is a Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress and a Professor of Law at the Moritz College of Law of the Ohio State University. John Podesta is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Center for American Progress. Podesta served as Chief of Staff to President William J. Clinton from October 1998 until January 2001.