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FTC proposes new rule to increase transparency around junk fees

Oct 11, 2023
One area particularly hard hit by these extra charges: apartment rent. And the fees aren't always disclosed before tenants sign the lease.
The proposed FTC rule would require landlords and management companies to tell prospective tenants about extra fees, like for filing online maintenance requests or calculating each apartment’s share of the utilities, before they sign a lease.
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FTC, 17 states file antitrust lawsuit against Amazon

Sep 26, 2023
The Federal Trade Commission and more than a dozen U.S. states are alleging that Amazon used "its monopoly power" to inflate prices.
Ina Fassbender/AFP via Getty Images

What the FTC's Microsoft-Activision loss might mean for future mergers

Jul 12, 2023
Microsoft can proceed with its purchase, but fighting the FTC's antitrust lawsuit came with a lot of scrutiny.
This ruling marks a defeat for the Federal Trade Commission, which has brought a number of antitrust challenges to these kinds of vertical mergers.
Paul J. Richards/AFP via Getty Images

Be prepared to navigate a maze to cancel that subscription

Jun 22, 2023
Behavioral economics helps explain why it's hard to unsubscribe.
The FTC alleges that Amazon intentionally complicated the cancellation process for Prime subscription service.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Rural towns fear Kroger-Albertsons merger will close stores and raise prices

May 2, 2023
The companies’ plans have drawn skepticism from trade unions, consumer advocate groups and Colorado's attorney general.
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser speaks during a town hall meeting in Cañon City about the planned merger of Kroger and Albertsons. He said he may challenge the deal in court.
Matt Bloom/CPR News

FTC chair on regulating AI and "taking on some of the biggest, most powerful companies in our economy"

"We need to make sure the market knows that there is no exemption for AI," says Lina Khan of the Federal Trade Commission.
"Companies that are creating these tools [AI] need to be on notice," says FTC Chair Lina Khan.
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Predatory practices past and present target Black investors

Feb 10, 2023
Payday loans, high-fee check-cashing services and scams find fertile ground in a community still affected by generations of discrimination.
Kenneth Nichols, right, works with Janice Leek to set up a presentation called "The Future of Blockchain Is Here!"
Kimberly Adams/Marketplace

For public good, not for profit.

While the wellness industry booms, the FTC is cracking down on its marketing tactics

Feb 9, 2023
The FTC says health-related claims need to be backed by relevant, peer-reviewed scientific research. "It's long overdue," said one marketer.
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"Dark patterns": The deceptive arts of e-commerce

Jan 16, 2023
Emily Stewart of Vox explains how web tactics like countdown clocks and inventory trackers can create a false sense of urgency for consumers.
Many e-commerce sites use well-honed tactics to influence consumers to "buy, buy, buy." Emily Stewart advises consumers to learn about them and avoid impulsive shopping.
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The FTC's proposed noncompete ban could be a boon for lower-wage workers

Jan 9, 2023
The Federal Trade Commission's proposed ban on noncompete agreements would affect many workers in sectors like fast food and retail, where these agreements can be a cheap way of retaining employees.
In sectors like fast food, noncompete agreements can function as cheap retention tools, said Andy Challenger of the staffing firm Challenger, Gray and Christmas. 
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