Rep. Jan Schakowsky Urges FTC to Protect Consumers from Online Scams

FTC's Role in Consumer Protection

• 👮 The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) acts as the 'cop on the beat' to protect consumers from scams and harmful practices.
• 💰 Last year, the FTC returned $337 million to individuals who were victims of fraud and scams.
• 🤝 The FTC operates on a bipartisan basis, providing continuity and credibility through changes in administration.

Protecting Children Online

• 🎮 The FTC brought a case against Epic Games, resulting in $500 million in penalties for their treatment of children through Fortnite.
• ⚠️ This case addressed children being tricked into paying for games and allowing strangers to communicate with children through online games.

FTC's Administrative Structure

• ⚖️ The FTC's structure encourages bipartisan consensus on important cases and matters that protect consumers.
• 🗣️ When consensus isn't reached, the FTC can provide accountability and transparency to Congress and the public about potential overreach or missed opportunities for relief.

Legal Framework for Consumer Safety

• 📜 The FTC administers key laws like the Federal Trade Commission Act and the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).
• 🚫 These laws are designed by Congress to protect children and consumers, and the FTC aims for impartial administration based on facts and law, without fear or favor.