# What the Federal Trade Commission Technologists Act Does

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is the government agency that protects consumers from unfair business practices and fraud. Right now, the FTC has lawyers and economists on staff, but it doesn't have enough people who actually understand how modern technology works. This bill fixes that problem by creating a new Office of Technologists within the FTC and requiring the agency to hire at least 25 tech experts.

These technologists would be people with real expertise in areas like software development, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and computer networks. Their job would be to help the FTC understand the technical side of cases involving tech companies. For example, if the FTC is investigating whether a social media company is improperly collecting user data, these tech experts could explain how the company's systems actually work and whether the company's claims about privacy are accurate. They'd also advise the FTC on how to use technology better in its own operations and help develop recommendations for tech policy.

The practical impact is that the FTC would be better equipped to take on big tech companies and understand complex technology issues. Right now, when regulators try to investigate or prosecute tech companies, they sometimes struggle because they don't have enough people who truly understand how the technology works. Adding these experts would level the playing field and potentially lead to more effective enforcement against companies that harm consumers through deceptive or unfair tech practices. The bill gives the FTC 180 days to set up the office and authorizes whatever funding is needed to make it happen.

Federal Trade Commission Technologists Act of 2021

McNerney, Jerry

Federal Trade Commission Technologists Act of 2021 This bill requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to establish the Office of Technologists to advise on matters such as the FTC's use of technology, technical aspects of law enforcement actions, and technology policy recommendations.