The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has recently garnered attention due to a series of high-profile investigations and legal actions targeting major technology firms. Under the leadership of Chair Andrew Ferguson, the FTC is scrutinizing practices related to censorship and shadow banning by Big Tech companies. Additionally, the agency is involved in antitrust litigation against Google, challenging its app store practices, and has taken steps to block Hewlett Packard Enterprise's acquisition of Juniper Networks, citing concerns over competition and innovation.
Established in 1914, the FTC is an independent agency of the U.S. government tasked with enforcing civil antitrust laws and promoting consumer protection. It operates to prevent unfair business practices and ensure a competitive marketplace. The agency's jurisdiction includes overseeing mergers and acquisitions, investigating deceptive advertising, and addressing issues related to consumer privacy and data security. The FTC plays a crucial role in maintaining market integrity and protecting consumers from fraudulent practices.
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President Trump's administration is significantly reshaping U.S. cryptocurrency policy while increasing defense spending. The establishment of a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and a $165 million contract extension for maintaining the Royal Navy's Merlin helicopters highlight this dual focus on national security and technological advancement. This shift follows a recent White House summit with crypto leaders.
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On March 28, 2025, a U.S. Court of Appeals ruling allowed President Trump to remove members from the Merit Systems Protection Board and National Labor Relations Board, undermining labor protections. This decision endorses Trump's expansive view of executive authority, potentially leading to significant changes in federal employment and labor relations.
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On April 1, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order aimed at curbing ticket scalping and ensuring price transparency in the live event industry. Kid Rock, a vocal supporter of Trump, joined him during the signing, highlighting the issue of inflated ticket prices and the impact of scalpers on fans.
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Mark Zuckerberg is currently testifying in a landmark antitrust trial where the FTC accuses Meta of using a 'buy-or-bury' strategy to acquire Instagram and WhatsApp, stifling competition. The trial could lead to the forced divestiture of these platforms, reshaping the social media landscape. Key emails from Zuckerberg have been presented as evidence of his concerns about competition.
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The FTC has filed a lawsuit against Uber, alleging deceptive practices related to its Uber One subscription service. The agency claims Uber signed up users without consent and made cancellation difficult. Uber denies wrongdoing, asserting its processes are clear and lawful. The lawsuit follows increased scrutiny on subscription services.