FTC launches Office of Technology

Federal Issues FTC Technology

On February 17, the FTC launched a new Office of Technology to strengthen the agency’s ability to keep pace with technological challenges in the digital marketplace. The Office of Technology will support the FTC’s enforcement and policy work, and will be headed by Chief Technology Officer Stephanie T. Nguyen who said it is a “vital time to strengthen the agency’s technical expertise and meet the quickly evolving challenges of the digital economy.” Specifically, the Office of Technology will (i) strengthen and support law enforcement investigations into business practices and the underlying technologies by “helping to develop appropriate investigative techniques, assisting in the review and analysis of data and documents received in investigations, and aiding in the creation of effective remedies”; (ii) work with FTC staff and the Commission on policy and research initiatives to provide technological expertise on non-enforcement actions; and (iii) engage with the public and external stakeholders on market trends and emerging technologies that impact agency work. “Our office of technology is a natural next step in ensuring we have the in-house skills needed to fully grasp evolving technologies and market trends as we continue to tackle unlawful business practices and protect Americans,” FTC Chair Lina Khan said.