Hearings on Competition and Consumer Protection in the 21st Century
The Federal Trade Commission seeks comment in connection with a forthcoming series of public hearings in the fall and winter 2018 to examine whether broad-based changes in the economy, evolving business practices, new technologies, or international developments might require adjustments to competition and consumer protection law, enforcement priorities, and policy. These hearings will cover a range of issues listed in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below. The Commission seeks the views of consumers, business representatives, economists, lawyers, academics, information technology professionals, and other interested parties. Commenters are invited to address one or more of the following topics generally, or with respect to a specific industry.
What this rule actually says
This isn't actually a regulation yet—it's the FTC announcing they're holding public hearings in fall/winter 2018 to *think about* whether competition and consumer protection laws need updates for the modern economy. They're asking for input on topics like new technologies, evolving business practices, and international developments. No new rules, no new enforcement powers, just an open comment period.
Who it applies to
This applies to literally anyone who wants to submit feedback:
- All jurisdictions: If you're building AI anywhere (US-based or international), you can comment.
- All AI use cases: Medical scribes, hiring assistants, support chatbots, customer data tools—nothing is excluded.
- Data scope: The hearings will likely touch on how you collect, use, and protect customer data (patient records, job applicant info, user conversations, etc.), but no specific regulations exist yet.
- Company size: Solo founders to large enterprises—the FTC wants to hear from everyone.
Real talk: This is a "stay aware" document, not a "must comply" one. It's the FTC signaling they're paying attention to AI and data practices, but they haven't told you what's illegal yet.
What founders need to do
- Optional: Submit a comment (2-4 hours). If you're building something the FTC might care about (AI handling sensitive data like health or hiring decisions), consider writing a 1-2 page comment describing your product, how you protect user data, and any compliance challenges you face. Post it at regulations.gov before the deadline closed in early 2019. (This window has passed, but similar future hearings may open.)
- Monitor FTC enforcement actions (ongoing, ~30 min/quarter). After these hearings, the FTC will publish a report and may update enforcement priorities. Follow FTC.gov's AI and privacy sections to spot emerging concerns about your specific use case.
- Review your data practices now (3-5 days, one-time). Audit how you collect, store, and use customer data. Can you explain your practices clearly? Are you doing anything that would look bad if the FTC asked? Fix obvious gaps (no real security, no privacy policy, unclear data sharing).
- Document consent and transparency (1-2 days). Make sure users know what data you're collecting and why. Get explicit consent where it matters (health data especially).
Bottom line
Monitor this—don't panic, but do use it as a signal to tighten your data practices before the FTC decides what rules actually apply to you.