30. Federal Trade Commission (Summary)

Author: Adam Candeub

Summary

• The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) enforces antitrust laws like the Sherman and Clayton Acts to prevent unfair competition and deceptive practices.
• The FTC’s approach to antitrust has evolved, focusing on maximizing consumer welfare through economic efficiency and allocative efficiency.
• Some conservative thinkers argue for a broader interpretation of antitrust laws, considering their impact on democratic institutions and civil society beyond mere economic metrics.
• There’s an increasing criticism of the “social responsibility” agendas like ESG and DEI, which some argue could mask anticompetitive behaviors under the guise of corporate ethics.
• Concerns are raised about market concentration, particularly in tech, healthcare, and real estate, possibly leading to regulatory capture and reduced competition.
• The chapter discusses potential reforms for the FTC, questioning whether it should even continue to exist or if its functions should be absorbed by other entities like the DOJ.
• The role of big tech in society and its potential monopolistic behaviors are scrutinized, with suggestions for more rigorous antitrust enforcement.
• Special emphasis is placed on protecting children from online exploitation and ensuring online platforms do not misuse personal data.

Analysis

• Implementing broader interpretations of antitrust laws could potentially decentralize economic power, thus promoting more competitive markets and reducing the influence of large corporations on politics and society.
• Critiques of ESG and DEI as potentially anticompetitive could lead to stricter regulations on corporate social advocacies, ensuring they do not evade antitrust laws.
• Shifting antitrust enforcement from the FTC to the DOJ could streamline processes but may reduce specialized attention to complex trade practices.
• Enhancing protections for children online could lead to stronger privacy laws and change how companies engage with younger audiences.
• A more aggressive antitrust stance against big tech could lead to more diversified and competitive markets but might also stifle innovation if not carefully balanced.

Tags

• Antitrust Law
• DEI
• ESG
• DOJ
• Online Child Protection

Read the original chapter text here: https://static.project2025.org/2025_MandateForLeadership_FULL.pdf#page=902

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