FTC Resources for Reporters

Protecting Consumer Privacy

The FTC has been the chief federal agency on privacy policy and enforcement since the1970s, when it began enforcing one of the first federal privacy laws – the Fair Credit Reporting Act.   Since then, rapid changes in technology have raised new privacy challenges, but the FTC’s overall approach has been consistent:  The agency uses law enforcement, policy initiatives, and consumer and business education to protect consumers’ personal information and ensure that they have the confidence to take advantage of the many benefits of the ever-changing marketplace.

 


Last Modified: Tuesday, August 28, 2012