The **Federal Trade Commission (FTC)** is an independent U.S. federal agency established in 1914 by the Federal Trade Commission Act to promote consumer protection and enforce antitrust laws[1][3]. Its core mission is to prevent unfair, deceptive, or fraudulent business practices and to maintain fair competition in the marketplace, covering nearly all sectors of the economy except certain banks, insurance, and transportation entities[2][5]. The FTC operates through three main bureaus: Consumer Protection, Competition, and Economics, supported by various offices and regional branches[1][5]. The FTC is governed by five Commissioners appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, each serving seven-year terms with a political party balance restriction to maintain impartiality[1][3]. Currently, Andrew N. Ferguson serves as Chair since January 2025[3]. Historically, the FTC was created in response to the monopolistic trusts of the 19th century, tasked with enforcing both the FTC Act and the Clayton Act to curb anti-competitive behavior[1][3]. It shares antitrust enforcement with the Department of Justice and has evolved to include rulemaking authority to define unfair or deceptive acts more precisely[2][6]. The agency conducts investigations through administrative processes or federal lawsuits, using tools like subpoenas and Civil Investigative Demands[4][6]. Key achievements include high-profile antitrust actions such as the 2020 lawsuit against Meta (formerly Facebook) for allegedly acquiring competitors to stifle competition and harm consumers[3]. The FTC continuously updates its rules and enforcement strategies to keep pace with marketplace innovations and technology-driven challenges[2][5]. Today, the FTC also emphasizes consumer education, offering resources to help individuals recognize and avoid scams, and it advocates for legislative reforms to protect the public and foster a vibrant economy driven by fair competition[5][7]. Its comprehensive authority and proactive enforcement make the FTC a pivotal agency in shaping business practices and safeguarding consumer rights in the evolving digital and commercial landscap