Hearings on Competition and Consumer Protection in the 21st Century, 38307-38310 [2018-16608]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 151 / Monday, August 6, 2018 / Notices (12 U.S.C. 1461 et seq.) (HOLA), Regulation LL (12 CFR part 238), and Regulation MM (12 CFR part 239), and all other applicable statutes and regulations to become a savings and loan holding company and/or to acquire the assets or the ownership of, control of, or the power to vote shares of a savings association and nonbanking companies owned by the savings and loan holding company, including the companies listed below. The applications listed below, as well as other related filings required by the Board, are available for immediate inspection at the Federal Reserve Bank indicated. The application also will be available for inspection at the offices of the Board of Governors. Interested persons may express their views in writing on the standards enumerated in the HOLA (12 U.S.C. 1467a(e)). If the proposal also involves the acquisition of a nonbanking company, the review also includes whether the acquisition of the nonbanking company complies with the standards in section 10(c)(4)(B) of the HOLA (12 U.S.C. 1467a(c)(4)(B)). Unless otherwise noted, nonbanking activities will be conducted throughout the United States. Unless otherwise noted, comments regarding each of these applications must be received at the Reserve Bank indicated or the offices of the Board of Governors not later than August 28, 2018. A. Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis (Mark A. Rauzi, Vice President), 90 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55480–0291: 1. MidCountry Acquisition Corp., Minneapolis, Minnesota; to become a savings and loan holding company by acquiring 100 percent of the voting shares of MidCountry Bank, Bloomington, Minnesota. Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, July 31, 2018. Yao-Chin Chao, Assistant Secretary of the Board. [FR Doc. 2018–16702 Filed 8–3–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE P FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES Hearings on Competition and Consumer Protection in the 21st Century Federal Trade Commission. Notice of hearings and request for comments. AGENCY: ACTION: The Federal Trade Commission seeks comment in connection with a forthcoming series of public hearings in the fall and winter SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:36 Aug 03, 2018 Jkt 244001 2018 to examine whether broad-based changes in the economy, evolving business practices, new technologies, or international developments might require adjustments to competition and consumer protection law, enforcement priorities, and policy. These hearings will cover a range of issues listed in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below. The Commission seeks the views of consumers, business representatives, economists, lawyers, academics, information technology professionals, and other interested parties. Commenters are invited to address one or more of the following topics generally, or with respect to a specific industry. DATES: The hearings will begin in September 2018 and are expected to continue through January 2019, and will consist of 15 to 20 public sessions. The sessions will be held in various locations throughout Washington, DC and in other parts of the country. For this stage of the public comment process, comments will be accepted on or before August 20, 2018. ADDRESSES: Interested parties may file a comment online or on paper, by following the instructions in the Public Comments portion of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below. Comments should refer to ‘‘Competition and Consumer Protection in the 21st Century Hearings, Project Number P181201.’’ If an interested party wishes to comment on multiple topics, we encourage filing a separate comment for each topic. If an interested party wishes to make general comments about the hearings, we encourage filing a comment in response to Topic 1, using this link: https://www.regulations.gov/ docket?D=FTC-2018-0048. For this stage of the public comment process, comments will be accepted until August 20, 2018. If you prefer to file a comment in hard copy, write ‘‘Competition and Consumer Protection in the 21st Century Hearing, Project Number P181201,’’ on your comment and on the envelope and mail your comment to the following address: Federal Trade Commission, Office of the Secretary, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite CC–5610 (Annex C), Washington, DC 20580, or deliver your comment to the following address: Federal Trade Commission, Office of the Secretary, Constitution Center, 400 7th Street SW, 5th Floor, Suite 5610 (Annex C), Washington, DC 20024. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Derek Moore, Office of Policy Planning, 202–326–3367, or John Dubiansky, Office of Policy Planning, 202–326–2182 or email us at CCPhearings@ftc.gov. PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 38307 The mission of the Federal Trade Commission (‘‘FTC’’ or ‘‘Commission’’) is to promote competition and to protect consumers from unfair and deceptive practices. In support of pursuing a vigorous law enforcement agenda, the FTC engages in substantial research to stay informed of market developments, shape its policy agenda, and identify opportunities to develop the law consistent with its enforcement authority. Beginning in September 2018, the FTC will hold a series of multi-day, multi-part public hearings (‘‘hearings’’) to consider whether broad-based changes in the economy, evolving business practices, new technologies, or international developments might require adjustments to competition and consumer protection law, enforcement priorities, and policy. The hearings pay tribute to, and are modeled after, the FTC’s 1995 Global Competition and Innovation Hearings under the leadership of then-Chairman Robert Pitofsky. Chairman Pitofsky’s hearings ‘‘were the first major step in establishing the FTC as a key modern center for . . . ‘competition policy research and development’ ’’ and ‘‘sought to ‘articulate recommendations that would effectively ensure the competitiveness of U.S. markets without imposing unnecessary costs on private parties or governmental processes.’ ’’ 1 They ‘‘reenergized one of the FTC’s most valuable functions—to gather leaders in business, economics, law, and related disciplines to discuss tough, emerging problems and prepare public reports on the facts, issues, governing law, and the need, as appropriate, for change.’’ 2 Subsequent to the hearings, the Commission released two staff reports ‘‘Anticipating the 21st Century’’ on competition and consumer protection policy, respectively.3 This new series of hearings honors Chairman Pitofsky’s legacy, and complements and enhances the agency’s robust enforcement program. ‘‘The progress of the Federal Trade Commission in its modern era has built SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 1 Timothy J. Muris, More Than Law Enforcement: The FTC’s Many Tools—A Conversation with Tim Muris and Bob Pitofsky, 72 Antitrust L.J. 772, 773 (2005). 2 Id. at 774. 3 Fed. Trade Comm’n Staff, Anticipating the 21st Century: Competition Policy in the New High-Tech, Global Marketplace (1996), https://www.ftc.gov/ system/files/documents/reports/anticipating-21stcentury-competition-policy-new-high-tech-globalmarketplace/gc_v1.pdf; Fed. Trade Comm’n Staff, Anticipating the 21st Century: Consumer Protection Policy in the New High-Tech, Global Marketplace (1996), https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ documents/reports/anticipating-21st-centurycompetition-policy-new-high-tech-globalmarketplace/gc_v2.pdf. E:\FR\FM\06AUN1.SGM 06AUN1 38308 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 151 / Monday, August 6, 2018 / Notices sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES heavily upon the willingness of its people to assess their work critically and explore possibilities for improvement.’’ 4 The hearings and associated public comment process will provide opportunities for FTC staff and leadership to obtain input from a broad and diverse range of interested stakeholders and experts, and will stimulate thoughtful internal and external evaluation of the FTC’s nearand long-term law enforcement and policy agenda. The hearings may identify areas for additional study, enforcement, advocacy, and policy guidance, including improvements to the agency’s investigation and law enforcement processes. The Commission will invite public comment in stages throughout the term of the hearings. • Through August 20, 2018, the Commission will accept public comment on the topics identified in this announcement. Each topic description includes issues of particular interest to the Commission, but comments need not be restricted to these subjects. • Additionally, the Commission will invite comments on the topic of each hearing session. The FTC will issue a news release before each session to inform the public of the agenda, the date and location, and instructions on submitting comment. • The Commission will also invite public comment upon completion of the entire series of hearings. The Commission is especially interested in new empirical research that indicates (or contraindicates) a causal relationship with respect to any of the topics identified for comment. Upon review and consideration of a public comment highlighting such research, the Commission may request the voluntary sharing of the data and models underlying the comment, in accordance with general principles of peer review of social scientific inquiry, and consistent with confidentiality or other limitations on the sharing of such data. Commenters are invited to address one or more of the following topics generally, or with respect to a specific industry, such as the health care,5 high4 The Federal Trade Commission at 100: Into Our 2nd Century: The Continuing Pursuit of Better Practices, A Report by Federal Trade Commission Chairman William E. Kovacic (2009), https:// www.ftc.gov/sites/default/files/documents/public_ statements/federal-trade-commission-100-oursecond-century/ftc100rpt.pdf at (i). 5 See, e.g., Fed. Trade Comm’n, Emerging Health Care Issues: Follow-On Biologic Drug Competition (2009), https://www.ftc.gov/sites/default/files/ documents/reports/emerging-health-care-issuesfollow-biologic-drug-competition-federal-tradecommission-report/p083901biologicsreport.pdf; Fed VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:36 Aug 03, 2018 Jkt 244001 tech,6 or energy 7 industries. (1) The state of antitrust and consumer protection law and enforcement, and their development, since the Pitofsky hearings. Of particular interest to the Commission: (a) The continued viability of the consumer welfare standard for antitrust law enforcement and policy; (b) economic analysis and evidence on market competitiveness, enforcement policy, and the effects of past FTC enforcement decisions; (c) the identification of new developments in markets and in business-to-business or business-to-consumer relationships; (d) the benefits and costs associated with the growth of international competition and consumer protection enforcement regimes; and (e) the advisory and advocacy role of the FTC regarding enforcement efforts by competition and consumer protection agencies outside the United States, when such efforts have a direct effect on important U.S. interests. Comments filed in electronic form should be submitted using this Trade Comm’n & Dep’t of Justice, Improving Health Care: A Dose of Competition (2004), https:// www.ftc.gov/sites/default/files/documents/reports/ improving-health-care-dose-competition-reportfederal-trade-commission-and-department-justice/ 040723healthcarerpt.pdf. 6 See, e.g., Fed. Trade Comm’n Staff, Protecting Consumers in the Next Tech-Ade (2008), https:// www.ftc.gov/sites/default/files/documents/reports/ protecting-consumers-next-tech-ade-report-stafffederal-trade-commission/p064101tech.pdf; Fed. Trade Comm’n Staff, Mobile Privacy Disclosures: Building Trust Through Transparency (2013), https://www.ftc.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ reports/mobile-privacy-disclosures-building-trustthrough-transparency-federal-trade-commissionstaff-report/130201mobileprivacyreport.pdf. 7 See, e.g., Fed. Trade Comm’n, The Federal Trade Commission Investigation of Gasoline Price Manipulation and Post-Katrina Gasoline Price Increases: A Commission Report to Congress (2006), https://www.ftc.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ reports/federal-trade-commission-investigationgasoline-price-manipulation-and-post-katrinagasoline-price/060518publicgasolineprices investigationreportfinal.pdf; Fed. Trade Comm’n, Gasoline Price Changes: The Dynamic of Supply, Demand, and Competition (2005), https:// www.ftc.gov/sites/default/files/documents/reports/ gasoline-price-changes-dynamic-supply-demandand-competition-federal-trade-commission-report2005/050705gaspricesrpt.pdf; Fed Trade Comm’n Staff, The Petroleum Industry: Mergers, Structural Change, And Antitrust Enforcement (2004), https:// www.ftc.gov/sites/default/files/documents/reports/ petroleum-industry-mergers-structural-change-andantitrust-enforcement-report-staff-federal-trade/ 040813mergersinpetrolberpt.pdf; Fed. Trade Comm’n Staff, Competition and Consumer Protection Perspectives on Electric Power Regulatory Reform: Focus on Retail Competition (2001), https://www.ftc.gov/sites/default/files/ documents/reports/competition-and-consumerprotection-perspectives-electric-power-regulatoryreform-focus-retail/electricityreport.pdf; Fed. Trade Comm’n Staff, Competition and Consumer Protection Perspectives on Electric Power Regulatory Reform (2000), https://www.ftc.gov/ reports/competition-consumer-protectionperspectives-electric-power-regulatory-reform. PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 link: https://www.regulations.gov/ docket?D=FTC-2018-0048. (2) Competition and consumer protection issues in communication, information, and media technology networks. FTC staff’s 1996 Competition Policy in the New High-Tech Global Marketplace report 8 discussed the competitive analysis of both unilateral and joint conduct in industries subject to network effects; and FTC staff’s 2007 Broadband Connectivity and Competition Policy report 9 addressed similar issues in the broadband internet access service market. Of particular interest to the Commission: (a) Whether contemporary industry practices in networked industries continue to present competition and consumer protection concerns like those discussed in the prior reports; (b) the welfare effects of regulatory intervention to promote standardization and interoperability; (c) the application of the FTC’s Section 5 authority to the broadband internet access service business; and (d) unique competition and consumer protection issues associated with internet and online commerce. Comments filed in electronic form should be submitted using this link: https://www.regulations.gov/ docket?D=FTC-2018-0049. (3) The identification and measurement of market power and entry barriers, and the evaluation of collusive, exclusionary, or predatory conduct or conduct that violates the consumer protection statutes enforced by the FTC, in markets featuring ‘‘platform’’ businesses.10 Of particular interest to the Commission: (a) Whether the platform business model has unique implications for antitrust and consumer protection law enforcement and policy; and (b) whether and how the presence of ‘‘network effects’’ should affect the Commission’s analysis of competition and consumer protection issues in these markets. Comments filed in electronic form should be submitted using this 8 Fed. Trade Comm’n Staff, Anticipating the 21st Century: Competition Policy in the New High-Tech, Global Marketplace (1996), https://www.ftc.gov/ system/files/documents/reports/anticipating-21stcentury-;competition-policy-new-high-tech-globalmarketplace/gc_v1.pdf at Ch. 9. 9 Fed. Trade Comm’n Staff, Broadband Connectivity Competition Policy (2007), https:// www.ftc.gov/sites/default/files/documents/reports/ broadband-connectivity-competition-policy/ v070000report.pdf. 10 The Commission’s workshop and report on the Sharing Economy addressed many issues related to ‘‘platform’’ businesses. Fed. Trade Comm’n Staff, The Sharing Economy: Issues Facing Platforms, Participants & Regulators (2016), https:// www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/reports/ sharing-✖ftc_staff_report_on_the_sharing_ economy.pdf. E:\FR\FM\06AUN1.SGM 06AUN1 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 151 / Monday, August 6, 2018 / Notices sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES link: https://www.regulations.gov/ docket?D=FTC-2018-0050. (4) The intersection between privacy, big data, and competition.11 Of particular interest to the Commission: (a) Data as a dimension of competition, and/or as an impediment to entry into or expansion within a relevant market; (b) competition on privacy and data security attributes (between, for example, social media companies or app developers), and the importance of this competition to consumers and users; (c) whether consumers prefer free/adsupported products to products offering similar services or capabilities but that are neither free nor ad-supported; (d) the benefits and costs of privacy laws and regulations, including the effect of such regulations on innovation, product offerings, and other dimensions of competition and consumer protection; (e) the benefits and costs of varying state, federal and international privacy laws and regulations, including the conflicts associated with those standards; and (f) competition and consumer protection implications of use and location tracking mechanisms. Comments filed in electronic form should be submitted using this link: https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D= FTC-2018-0051. (5) The Commission’s remedial authority to deter unfair and deceptive conduct in privacy and data security matters. Of particular interest to the Commission: (a) The efficacy of the Commission’s use of its current remedial authority; and (b) the identification of any additional tools or authorities the Commission may need to adequately deter unfair and deceptive conduct related to privacy and data security. Comments filed in electronic form should be submitted using this link: https://www.regulations.gov/ docket?D=FTC-2018-0052. (6) Evaluating the competitive effects of corporate acquisitions and mergers. Of particular interest to the Commission: (a) The economic and legal analysis of vertical and conglomerate mergers; (b) whether the doctrine of potential competition is sufficient to identify and analyze the competitive effects (if any) associated with the acquisition of a firm that may be a 11 The Commission has previously issued reports related to this area of inquiry, including id.; Fed. Trade Comm’n Staff, Internet of Things: Privacy and Security in a Connected World (2015), https:// www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/reports/ federal-trade-commission-staff-report-november2013-workshop-entitled-internet-things-privacy/ 150127iotrpt.pdf; and Fed. Trade Comm’n, Big Data: A Tool for Inclusion or Exclusion? (2016), https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/;documents/ reports/big-data-tool-inclusion-or-exclusionunderstanding-issues/160106big-data-rpt.pdf. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:36 Aug 03, 2018 Jkt 244001 nascent competitive threat; (c) the analysis of acquisitions and holding of a non-controlling ownership interest in competing companies; (d) the identification and evaluation of the exercise of monopsony power and buyer-power as arising from consolidation; (e) the identification and evaluation of differentiated but potentially competing technologies, and of disruptive or generational changes in technology, and how such technologies affect competitive effects analysis; and (f) empirical validation of the analytical tools used to evaluate acquisitions and mergers (e.g., models of upward pricing pressure, gross upward pricing pressure, net innovation pressure, critical loss analysis, compensating marginal cost reduction, merger simulation, natural experiments, and empirical estimation of demand systems). Comments filed in electronic form should be submitted using this link: https:// www.regulations.gov/docket?D=FTC2018-0053. (7) The evidence and analysis of monopsony power, including but not limited to, in labor markets. Of particular interest to the Commission: (a) The analytic framework applied to conduct and transactions that negatively or positively affect competition between employers as buyers in labor markets; (b) evidence regarding the existence and exercise of buyer monopsony or market power in properly defined markets, including by employers in labor markets; (c) the exercise of monopsony power through collusion, including in labor markets through employer collusion; and (d) the use of noncompetition agreements and the conditions under which their use may be inconsistent with the antitrust laws. Comments filed in electronic form should be submitted using this link: https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D= FTC-2018-0054. (8) The role of intellectual property and competition policy in promoting innovation. The Commission has taken a dual-pronged approach to issues arising at the intersection of intellectual property and antitrust law: (1) Antitrust enforcement against harmful business conduct involving intellectual property; and (2) competition advocacy regarding the development of intellectual property law. The Commission has articulated its enforcement positions in a number of public documents, including the joint Commission and Department of Justice 2017 Antitrust Guidelines for the Licensing of Intellectual Property 12 and 12 Fed. Trade Comm’n & U.S. Dep. Justice, Guidelines for the Licensing of Intellectual Property PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 38309 2007 Antitrust Enforcement and Intellectual Property Rights report.13 The Commission has engaged in substantial competition advocacy with respect to the legal and policy regime related to intellectual property rights, including its three ‘‘IP’’ reports: The 2003 To Promote Innovation 14 report, the 2011 Evolving IP Marketplace 15 report, and the 2016 Patent Assertion Entity Activity 16 report. Of particular interest to the Commission: (a) The adoption and utilization of novel business practices (beyond those addressed in the Commission’s prior guidance and actions) 17 with respect to obtaining or enforcing intellectual property rights, where such practices may be inconsistent with the antitrust laws; (b) identification of contemporary patent doctrine that substantially affects innovation and raises the greatest challenges for competition policy; (c) evaluation of intellectual property litigation in competitive effects analysis; and (d) evaluation of efficiencies and entry considerations in technology markets in merger analysis. Comments filed in electronic form should be submitted using this link: https:// (2017), https://www.justice.gov/atr/IPguidelines/ download. 13 Fed. Trade Comm’n & U.S. Dep. Justice, Antitrust Enforcement and Intellectual Property Rights: Promoting Innovation and Competition (2007), https://www.justice.gov/atr/public/hearings/ ip/222655.pdf. 14 Fed. Trade Comm’n, To Promote Innovation: The Proper Balance of Competition Law and Policy (2003), https://www.ftc.gov/sites/default/files/ documents/reports/promote-innovation-properbalance-competition-and-patent-law-and-policy/ innovationrpt.pdf. 15 Fed. Trade Comm’n, The Evolving IP Marketplace: Aligning Patent Notice and Remedies with Competition (2011), https://www.ftc.gov/sites/ default/files/documents/reports/evolving-ipmarketplace-aligning-patent-notice-and-remediescompetition-report-federal-trade/110307 patentreport.pdf. 16 Fed. Trade Comm’n, Patent Assertion Entity Activity: An FTC Study (2016), https://www.ftc.gov/ system/files/documents/reports/patent-assertionentity-activity-ftc-study/p131203_patent_assertion_ entity_activity_an_ftc_study_0.pdf. 17 Enforcement and policy issues with respect to standard essential patents are discussed in Fed. Trade Comm’n & U.S. Dep. Justice, Antitrust Enforcement and Intellectual Property Rights: Promoting Innovation and Competition (2007), https://www.justice.gov/atr/public/hearings/ip/ 222655.pdf and have been the subject of seven FTC enforcement matters. Licensing conduct, such as tying and grantbacks, is discussed in the revised Fed. Trade Comm’n & U.S. Dep. Justice, Guidelines for the Licensing of Intellectual Property (2017), https://www.justice.gov/atr/IPguidelines/download. The behavior of Patent Assertion Entities is discussed in Fed. Trade Comm’n, Patent Assertion Entity Activity: An FTC Study (2016), https:// www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/reports/ patent-assertion-entity-activity-ftc-study/p131203_ patent_assertion_entity_activity_an_ftc_study_ 0.pdf. E:\FR\FM\06AUN1.SGM 06AUN1 sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES 38310 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 151 / Monday, August 6, 2018 / Notices www.regulations.gov/docket?D=FTC2018-0055. (9) The consumer welfare implications associated with the use of algorithmic decision tools, artificial intelligence, and predictive analytics. Of particular interest to the Commission: (a) The welfare effects and privacy implications associated with the application of these technologies to consumer advertising and marketing campaigns; (b) the welfare implications associated with use of these technologies in the determination of a firm’s pricing and output decisions; and (c) whether restrictions on the use of computer and machine learning and data analytics affect innovation or consumer rights and opportunities in existing or future markets, or in the development of new business models. Comments filed in electronic form should be submitted using this link: https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D= FTC-2018-0056. (10) The interpretation and harmonization of state and federal statutes and regulations that prohibit unfair and deceptive acts and practices. Of particular interest to the Commission: (a) Whether and to what extent other enforcement entities authorized to prosecute unfair or deceptive acts and practices apply FTC precedent in their enforcement efforts; and (b) whether the Commission can, and to what extent it should, take steps to promote harmonization between the FTC Act and similar statutes. Comments filed in electronic form should be submitted using this link: https:// www.regulations.gov/docket?D=FTC2018-0057. (11) The agency’s investigation, enforcement and remedial processes. Of particular interest to the Commission: (a) Whether the agency’s investigative process can be improved without diminishing the ability of the Commission to identify and prosecute prohibited conduct; (b) the extent to which the Commission’s Part 3 process facilitates timely and efficient administrative litigation; (c) the efficacy of the Commission’s current use of its remedial authority; and (d) willingness of affected parties to cooperate with the Commission in conducting postinvestigation and enforcement retrospectives. Comments filed in electronic form should be submitted using this link: https:// www.regulations.gov/docket?D=FTC2018-0058. Public Comments: Interested parties may submit written comments on the topics listed above to the FTC. Electronic submission is preferred; comments in paper form are also VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:36 Aug 03, 2018 Jkt 244001 accepted. FTC staff may use these comments in any subsequent reports or policy papers. Comments should refer to ‘‘Competition and Consumer Protection in the 21st Century Hearings, Project Number P181201.’’ If an interested party wishes to comment on multiple topics, we encourage filing a separate comment for each topic. If an interested party wishes to make general comments about the hearings, we encourage filing a comment in response to Topic 1, using this link: https://www.regulations.gov/ docket?D=FTC-2018-0048. For this stage of the public comment process, comments will be accepted until August 20, 2018. Postal mail addressed to the Commission is subject to delay due to heightened security screening. As a result, we encourage you to submit your comments online. If you prefer to file your comment on paper, write ‘‘Competition and Consumer Protection in the 21st Century Hearings, Project Number P181201’’ on your comment and on the envelope, and mail your comment to the following address: Federal Trade Commission, Office of the Secretary, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite CC–5610 (Annex C), Washington, DC 20580; or deliver your comment to the following address: Federal Trade Commission, Office of the Secretary, Constitution Center, 400 7th Street SW, 5th Floor, Suite 5610 (Annex C), Washington, DC 20024. If possible, submit your paper comment to the Commission by courier or overnight service. Because your comment may be placed on the publicly accessible FTC website at https://www.ftc.gov, you are solely responsible for making sure that your comment does not include any sensitive or confidential information. In particular, your comment should not include any sensitive personal information, such as your or anyone else’s Social Security number; date of birth; driver’s license number or other state identification number, or foreign country equivalent; passport number; financial account number; or credit or debit card number. You are also solely responsible for making sure that your comment does not include any sensitive health information, such as medical records or other individually identifiable health information. In addition, your comment should not include any ‘‘trade secret or any commercial or financial information which . . . is privileged or confidential’’—as provided in Section 6(f) of the FTC Act, 15 U.S.C. 46(f), and FTC Rule 4.10(a)(2), 16 CFR 4.10(a)(2)— including, in particular, competitively sensitive information such as costs, PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 9990 sales statistics, inventories, formulas, patterns, devices, manufacturing processes, or customer names. Comments containing material for which confidential treatment is requested must be filed in paper form, must be clearly labeled ‘‘Confidential,’’ and must comply with FTC Rule 4.9(c). In particular, the written request for confidential treatment that accompanies the comment must include the factual and legal basis for the request, and must identify the specific portions of the comment to be withheld from the public record. See FTC Rule 4.9(c). Your comment will be kept confidential only if the General Counsel grants your request in accordance with the law and the public interest. Once your comment has been posted on the public FTC website—as legally required by FTC Rule 4.9(b)—we cannot redact or remove your comment from the FTC website, unless you submit a confidentiality request that meets the requirements for such treatment under FTC Rule 4.9(c), and the General Counsel grants that request. If any entity has provided funding for research, analysis, or commentary that is included in a submitted public comment, such funding and its source should be identified on the first page of any submitted comment. Visit the FTC website at https:// www.ftc.gov to read this Notice and the news release describing it. The FTC Act and other laws that the Commission administers permit the collection of public comments to consider and use in this proceeding, as appropriate. For this stage of the comment process, the Commission will consider all timely and responsive public comments that it receives on or before August 20, 2018. The FTC Act and other laws that the Commission administers permit the collection of public comments. More information, including routine uses permitted by the Privacy Act, may be found in the FTC’s privacy policy, available at https://www.ftc.gov/siteinformation/privacy-policy. By direction of the Commission. Donald S. Clark, Secretary. [FR Doc. 2018–16608 Filed 8–3–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6750–01–P E:\FR\FM\06AUN1.SGM 06AUN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 151 (Monday, August 6, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 38307-38310]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-16608]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION


Hearings on Competition and Consumer Protection in the 21st 
Century

AGENCY: Federal Trade Commission.

ACTION: Notice of hearings and request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Federal Trade Commission seeks comment in connection with 
a forthcoming series of public hearings in the fall and winter 2018 to 
examine whether broad-based changes in the economy, evolving business 
practices, new technologies, or international developments might 
require adjustments to competition and consumer protection law, 
enforcement priorities, and policy. These hearings will cover a range 
of issues listed in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below. The 
Commission seeks the views of consumers, business representatives, 
economists, lawyers, academics, information technology professionals, 
and other interested parties. Commenters are invited to address one or 
more of the following topics generally, or with respect to a specific 
industry.

DATES: The hearings will begin in September 2018 and are expected to 
continue through January 2019, and will consist of 15 to 20 public 
sessions. The sessions will be held in various locations throughout 
Washington, DC and in other parts of the country. For this stage of the 
public comment process, comments will be accepted on or before August 
20, 2018.

ADDRESSES: Interested parties may file a comment online or on paper, by 
following the instructions in the Public Comments portion of the 
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below. Comments should refer to 
``Competition and Consumer Protection in the 21st Century Hearings, 
Project Number P181201.'' If an interested party wishes to comment on 
multiple topics, we encourage filing a separate comment for each topic. 
If an interested party wishes to make general comments about the 
hearings, we encourage filing a comment in response to Topic 1, using 
this link: https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=FTC-2018-0048. For this 
stage of the public comment process, comments will be accepted until 
August 20, 2018. If you prefer to file a comment in hard copy, write 
``Competition and Consumer Protection in the 21st Century Hearing, 
Project Number P181201,'' on your comment and on the envelope and mail 
your comment to the following address: Federal Trade Commission, Office 
of the Secretary, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite CC-5610 (Annex C), 
Washington, DC 20580, or deliver your comment to the following address: 
Federal Trade Commission, Office of the Secretary, Constitution Center, 
400 7th Street SW, 5th Floor, Suite 5610 (Annex C), Washington, DC 
20024.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Derek Moore, Office of Policy 
Planning, 202-326-3367, or John Dubiansky, Office of Policy Planning, 
202-326-2182 or email us at [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The mission of the Federal Trade Commission 
(``FTC'' or ``Commission'') is to promote competition and to protect 
consumers from unfair and deceptive practices. In support of pursuing a 
vigorous law enforcement agenda, the FTC engages in substantial 
research to stay informed of market developments, shape its policy 
agenda, and identify opportunities to develop the law consistent with 
its enforcement authority. Beginning in September 2018, the FTC will 
hold a series of multi-day, multi-part public hearings (``hearings'') 
to consider whether broad-based changes in the economy, evolving 
business practices, new technologies, or international developments 
might require adjustments to competition and consumer protection law, 
enforcement priorities, and policy. The hearings pay tribute to, and 
are modeled after, the FTC's 1995 Global Competition and Innovation 
Hearings under the leadership of then-Chairman Robert Pitofsky. 
Chairman Pitofsky's hearings ``were the first major step in 
establishing the FTC as a key modern center for . . . `competition 
policy research and development' '' and ``sought to `articulate 
recommendations that would effectively ensure the competitiveness of 
U.S. markets without imposing unnecessary costs on private parties or 
governmental processes.' '' \1\ They ``re-energized one of the FTC's 
most valuable functions--to gather leaders in business, economics, law, 
and related disciplines to discuss tough, emerging problems and prepare 
public reports on the facts, issues, governing law, and the need, as 
appropriate, for change.'' \2\ Subsequent to the hearings, the 
Commission released two staff reports ``Anticipating the 21st Century'' 
on competition and consumer protection policy, respectively.\3\ This 
new series of hearings honors Chairman Pitofsky's legacy, and 
complements and enhances the agency's robust enforcement program.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Timothy J. Muris, More Than Law Enforcement: The FTC's Many 
Tools--A Conversation with Tim Muris and Bob Pitofsky, 72 Antitrust 
L.J. 772, 773 (2005).
    \2\ Id. at 774.
    \3\ Fed. Trade Comm'n Staff, Anticipating the 21st Century: 
Competition Policy in the New High-Tech, Global Marketplace (1996), 
https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/reports/anticipating-21st-century-competition-policy-new-high-tech-global-marketplace/gc_v1.pdf; Fed. Trade Comm'n Staff, Anticipating the 21st Century: 
Consumer Protection Policy in the New High-Tech, Global Marketplace 
(1996), https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/reports/anticipating-21st-century-competition-policy-new-high-tech-global-marketplace/gc_v2.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    ``The progress of the Federal Trade Commission in its modern era 
has built

[[Page 38308]]

heavily upon the willingness of its people to assess their work 
critically and explore possibilities for improvement.'' \4\ The 
hearings and associated public comment process will provide 
opportunities for FTC staff and leadership to obtain input from a broad 
and diverse range of interested stakeholders and experts, and will 
stimulate thoughtful internal and external evaluation of the FTC's 
near- and long-term law enforcement and policy agenda. The hearings may 
identify areas for additional study, enforcement, advocacy, and policy 
guidance, including improvements to the agency's investigation and law 
enforcement processes.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ The Federal Trade Commission at 100: Into Our 2nd Century: 
The Continuing Pursuit of Better Practices, A Report by Federal 
Trade Commission Chairman William E. Kovacic (2009), https://www.ftc.gov/sites/default/files/documents/public_statements/federal-trade-commission-100-our-second-century/ftc100rpt.pdf at (i).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Commission will invite public comment in stages throughout the 
term of the hearings.
     Through August 20, 2018, the Commission will accept public 
comment on the topics identified in this announcement. Each topic 
description includes issues of particular interest to the Commission, 
but comments need not be restricted to these subjects.
     Additionally, the Commission will invite comments on the 
topic of each hearing session. The FTC will issue a news release before 
each session to inform the public of the agenda, the date and location, 
and instructions on submitting comment.
     The Commission will also invite public comment upon 
completion of the entire series of hearings.
    The Commission is especially interested in new empirical research 
that indicates (or contraindicates) a causal relationship with respect 
to any of the topics identified for comment. Upon review and 
consideration of a public comment highlighting such research, the 
Commission may request the voluntary sharing of the data and models 
underlying the comment, in accordance with general principles of peer 
review of social scientific inquiry, and consistent with 
confidentiality or other limitations on the sharing of such data.
    Commenters are invited to address one or more of the following 
topics generally, or with respect to a specific industry, such as the 
health care,\5\ high-tech,\6\ or energy \7\ industries. (1) The state 
of antitrust and consumer protection law and enforcement, and their 
development, since the Pitofsky hearings. Of particular interest to the 
Commission: (a) The continued viability of the consumer welfare 
standard for antitrust law enforcement and policy; (b) economic 
analysis and evidence on market competitiveness, enforcement policy, 
and the effects of past FTC enforcement decisions; (c) the 
identification of new developments in markets and in business-to-
business or business-to-consumer relationships; (d) the benefits and 
costs associated with the growth of international competition and 
consumer protection enforcement regimes; and (e) the advisory and 
advocacy role of the FTC regarding enforcement efforts by competition 
and consumer protection agencies outside the United States, when such 
efforts have a direct effect on important U.S. interests. Comments 
filed in electronic form should be submitted using this link: https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=FTC-2018-0048.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ See, e.g., Fed. Trade Comm'n, Emerging Health Care Issues: 
Follow-On Biologic Drug Competition (2009), https://www.ftc.gov/sites/default/files/documents/reports/emerging-health-care-issues-follow-biologic-drug-competition-federal-trade-commission-report/p083901biologicsreport.pdf; Fed Trade Comm'n & Dep't of Justice, 
Improving Health Care: A Dose of Competition (2004), https://www.ftc.gov/sites/default/files/documents/reports/improving-health-care-dose-competition-report-federal-trade-commission-and-department-justice/040723healthcarerpt.pdf.
    \6\ See, e.g., Fed. Trade Comm'n Staff, Protecting Consumers in 
the Next Tech-Ade (2008), https://www.ftc.gov/sites/default/files/documents/reports/protecting-consumers-next-tech-ade-report-staff-federal-trade-commission/p064101tech.pdf; Fed. Trade Comm'n Staff, 
Mobile Privacy Disclosures: Building Trust Through Transparency 
(2013), https://www.ftc.gov/sites/default/files/documents/reports/mobile-privacy-disclosures-building-trust-through-transparency-federal-trade-commission-staff-report/130201mobileprivacyreport.pdf.
    \7\ See, e.g., Fed. Trade Comm'n, The Federal Trade Commission 
Investigation of Gasoline Price Manipulation and Post-Katrina 
Gasoline Price Increases: A Commission Report to Congress (2006), 
https://www.ftc.gov/sites/default/files/documents/reports/federal-trade-commission-investigation-gasoline-price-manipulation-and-post-katrina-gasoline-price/060518publicgasolinepricesinvestigationreportfinal.pdf; Fed. Trade 
Comm'n, Gasoline Price Changes: The Dynamic of Supply, Demand, and 
Competition (2005), https://www.ftc.gov/sites/default/files/documents/reports/gasoline-price-changes-dynamic-supply-demand-and-competition-federal-trade-commission-report-2005/050705gaspricesrpt.pdf; Fed Trade Comm'n Staff, The Petroleum 
Industry: Mergers, Structural Change, And Antitrust Enforcement 
(2004), https://www.ftc.gov/sites/default/files/documents/reports/petroleum-industry-mergers-structural-change-and-antitrust-enforcement-report-staff-federal-trade/040813mergersinpetrolberpt.pdf; Fed. Trade Comm'n Staff, Competition 
and Consumer Protection Perspectives on Electric Power Regulatory 
Reform: Focus on Retail Competition (2001), https://www.ftc.gov/sites/default/files/documents/reports/competition-and-consumer-protection-perspectives-electric-power-regulatory-reform-focus-retail/electricityreport.pdf; Fed. Trade Comm'n Staff, Competition 
and Consumer Protection Perspectives on Electric Power Regulatory 
Reform (2000), https://www.ftc.gov/reports/competition-consumer-protection-perspectives-electric-power-regulatory-reform.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) Competition and consumer protection issues in communication, 
information, and media technology networks. FTC staff's 1996 
Competition Policy in the New High-Tech Global Marketplace report \8\ 
discussed the competitive analysis of both unilateral and joint conduct 
in industries subject to network effects; and FTC staff's 2007 
Broadband Connectivity and Competition Policy report \9\ addressed 
similar issues in the broadband internet access service market. Of 
particular interest to the Commission: (a) Whether contemporary 
industry practices in networked industries continue to present 
competition and consumer protection concerns like those discussed in 
the prior reports; (b) the welfare effects of regulatory intervention 
to promote standardization and interoperability; (c) the application of 
the FTC's Section 5 authority to the broadband internet access service 
business; and (d) unique competition and consumer protection issues 
associated with internet and online commerce. Comments filed in 
electronic form should be submitted using this link: https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=FTC-2018-0049.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \8\ Fed. Trade Comm'n Staff, Anticipating the 21st Century: 
Competition Policy in the New High-Tech, Global Marketplace (1996), 
https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/reports/anticipating-21st-century-;competition-policy-new-high-tech-global-marketplace/
gc_v1.pdf at Ch. 9.
    \9\ Fed. Trade Comm'n Staff, Broadband Connectivity Competition 
Policy (2007), https://www.ftc.gov/sites/default/files/documents/reports/broadband-connectivity-competition-policy/v070000report.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (3) The identification and measurement of market power and entry 
barriers, and the evaluation of collusive, exclusionary, or predatory 
conduct or conduct that violates the consumer protection statutes 
enforced by the FTC, in markets featuring ``platform'' businesses.\10\ 
Of particular interest to the Commission: (a) Whether the platform 
business model has unique implications for antitrust and consumer 
protection law enforcement and policy; and (b) whether and how the 
presence of ``network effects'' should affect the Commission's analysis 
of competition and consumer protection issues in these markets. 
Comments filed in electronic form should be submitted using this

[[Page 38309]]

link: https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=FTC-2018-0050.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \10\ The Commission's workshop and report on the Sharing Economy 
addressed many issues related to ``platform'' businesses. Fed. Trade 
Comm'n Staff, The Sharing Economy: Issues Facing Platforms, 
Participants & Regulators (2016), https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/
documents/reports/sharing-[economy-issues-facing-pla]tforms-
participants-regulators-federal-trade-commission-staff/
p151200_ftc_staff_report_on_the_sharing_economy.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (4) The intersection between privacy, big data, and 
competition.\11\ Of particular interest to the Commission: (a) Data as 
a dimension of competition, and/or as an impediment to entry into or 
expansion within a relevant market; (b) competition on privacy and data 
security attributes (between, for example, social media companies or 
app developers), and the importance of this competition to consumers 
and users; (c) whether consumers prefer free/ad-supported products to 
products offering similar services or capabilities but that are neither 
free nor ad-supported; (d) the benefits and costs of privacy laws and 
regulations, including the effect of such regulations on innovation, 
product offerings, and other dimensions of competition and consumer 
protection; (e) the benefits and costs of varying state, federal and 
international privacy laws and regulations, including the conflicts 
associated with those standards; and (f) competition and consumer 
protection implications of use and location tracking mechanisms. 
Comments filed in electronic form should be submitted using this link: 
https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=FTC-2018-0051.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \11\ The Commission has previously issued reports related to 
this area of inquiry, including id.; Fed. Trade Comm'n Staff, 
Internet of Things: Privacy and Security in a Connected World 
(2015), https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/reports/federal-trade-commission-staff-report-november-2013-workshop-entitled-internet-things-privacy/150127iotrpt.pdf; and Fed. Trade Comm'n, Big 
Data: A Tool for Inclusion or Exclusion? (2016), https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/;documents/reports/big-data-tool-inclusion-
or-exclusion-understanding-issues/160106big-data-rpt.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (5) The Commission's remedial authority to deter unfair and 
deceptive conduct in privacy and data security matters. Of particular 
interest to the Commission: (a) The efficacy of the Commission's use of 
its current remedial authority; and (b) the identification of any 
additional tools or authorities the Commission may need to adequately 
deter unfair and deceptive conduct related to privacy and data 
security. Comments filed in electronic form should be submitted using 
this link: https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=FTC-2018-0052.
    (6) Evaluating the competitive effects of corporate acquisitions 
and mergers. Of particular interest to the Commission: (a) The economic 
and legal analysis of vertical and conglomerate mergers; (b) whether 
the doctrine of potential competition is sufficient to identify and 
analyze the competitive effects (if any) associated with the 
acquisition of a firm that may be a nascent competitive threat; (c) the 
analysis of acquisitions and holding of a non-controlling ownership 
interest in competing companies; (d) the identification and evaluation 
of the exercise of monopsony power and buyer-power as arising from 
consolidation; (e) the identification and evaluation of differentiated 
but potentially competing technologies, and of disruptive or 
generational changes in technology, and how such technologies affect 
competitive effects analysis; and (f) empirical validation of the 
analytical tools used to evaluate acquisitions and mergers (e.g., 
models of upward pricing pressure, gross upward pricing pressure, net 
innovation pressure, critical loss analysis, compensating marginal cost 
reduction, merger simulation, natural experiments, and empirical 
estimation of demand systems). Comments filed in electronic form should 
be submitted using this link: https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=FTC-2018-0053.
    (7) The evidence and analysis of monopsony power, including but not 
limited to, in labor markets. Of particular interest to the Commission: 
(a) The analytic framework applied to conduct and transactions that 
negatively or positively affect competition between employers as buyers 
in labor markets; (b) evidence regarding the existence and exercise of 
buyer monopsony or market power in properly defined markets, including 
by employers in labor markets; (c) the exercise of monopsony power 
through collusion, including in labor markets through employer 
collusion; and (d) the use of non-competition agreements and the 
conditions under which their use may be inconsistent with the antitrust 
laws. Comments filed in electronic form should be submitted using this 
link: https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=FTC-2018-0054.
    (8) The role of intellectual property and competition policy in 
promoting innovation. The Commission has taken a dual-pronged approach 
to issues arising at the intersection of intellectual property and 
antitrust law: (1) Antitrust enforcement against harmful business 
conduct involving intellectual property; and (2) competition advocacy 
regarding the development of intellectual property law. The Commission 
has articulated its enforcement positions in a number of public 
documents, including the joint Commission and Department of Justice 
2017 Antitrust Guidelines for the Licensing of Intellectual Property 
\12\ and 2007 Antitrust Enforcement and Intellectual Property Rights 
report.\13\ The Commission has engaged in substantial competition 
advocacy with respect to the legal and policy regime related to 
intellectual property rights, including its three ``IP'' reports: The 
2003 To Promote Innovation \14\ report, the 2011 Evolving IP 
Marketplace \15\ report, and the 2016 Patent Assertion Entity Activity 
\16\ report. Of particular interest to the Commission: (a) The adoption 
and utilization of novel business practices (beyond those addressed in 
the Commission's prior guidance and actions) \17\ with respect to 
obtaining or enforcing intellectual property rights, where such 
practices may be inconsistent with the antitrust laws; (b) 
identification of contemporary patent doctrine that substantially 
affects innovation and raises the greatest challenges for competition 
policy; (c) evaluation of intellectual property litigation in 
competitive effects analysis; and (d) evaluation of efficiencies and 
entry considerations in technology markets in merger analysis. Comments 
filed in electronic form should be submitted using this link: https://

[[Page 38310]]

www.regulations.gov/docket?D=FTC-2018-0055.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \12\ Fed. Trade Comm'n & U.S. Dep. Justice, Guidelines for the 
Licensing of Intellectual Property (2017), https://www.justice.gov/atr/IPguidelines/download.
    \13\ Fed. Trade Comm'n & U.S. Dep. Justice, Antitrust 
Enforcement and Intellectual Property Rights: Promoting Innovation 
and Competition (2007), https://www.justice.gov/atr/public/hearings/ip/222655.pdf.
    \14\ Fed. Trade Comm'n, To Promote Innovation: The Proper 
Balance of Competition Law and Policy (2003), https://www.ftc.gov/sites/default/files/documents/reports/promote-innovation-proper-balance-competition-and-patent-law-and-policy/innovationrpt.pdf.
    \15\ Fed. Trade Comm'n, The Evolving IP Marketplace: Aligning 
Patent Notice and Remedies with Competition (2011), https://www.ftc.gov/sites/default/files/documents/reports/evolving-ip-marketplace-aligning-patent-notice-and-remedies-competition-report-federal-trade/110307patentreport.pdf.
    \16\ Fed. Trade Comm'n, Patent Assertion Entity Activity: An FTC 
Study (2016), https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/reports/patent-assertion-entity-activity-ftc-study/p131203_patent_assertion_entity_activity_an_ftc_study_0.pdf.
    \17\ Enforcement and policy issues with respect to standard 
essential patents are discussed in Fed. Trade Comm'n & U.S. Dep. 
Justice, Antitrust Enforcement and Intellectual Property Rights: 
Promoting Innovation and Competition (2007), https://www.justice.gov/atr/public/hearings/ip/222655.pdf and have been the 
subject of seven FTC enforcement matters. Licensing conduct, such as 
tying and grantbacks, is discussed in the revised Fed. Trade Comm'n 
& U.S. Dep. Justice, Guidelines for the Licensing of Intellectual 
Property (2017), https://www.justice.gov/atr/IPguidelines/download. 
The behavior of Patent Assertion Entities is discussed in Fed. Trade 
Comm'n, Patent Assertion Entity Activity: An FTC Study (2016), 
https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/reports/patent-assertion-entity-activity-ftc-study/p131203_patent_assertion_entity_activity_an_ftc_study_0.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (9) The consumer welfare implications associated with the use of 
algorithmic decision tools, artificial intelligence, and predictive 
analytics. Of particular interest to the Commission: (a) The welfare 
effects and privacy implications associated with the application of 
these technologies to consumer advertising and marketing campaigns; (b) 
the welfare implications associated with use of these technologies in 
the determination of a firm's pricing and output decisions; and (c) 
whether restrictions on the use of computer and machine learning and 
data analytics affect innovation or consumer rights and opportunities 
in existing or future markets, or in the development of new business 
models. Comments filed in electronic form should be submitted using 
this link: https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=FTC-2018-0056.
    (10) The interpretation and harmonization of state and federal 
statutes and regulations that prohibit unfair and deceptive acts and 
practices. Of particular interest to the Commission: (a) Whether and to 
what extent other enforcement entities authorized to prosecute unfair 
or deceptive acts and practices apply FTC precedent in their 
enforcement efforts; and (b) whether the Commission can, and to what 
extent it should, take steps to promote harmonization between the FTC 
Act and similar statutes. Comments filed in electronic form should be 
submitted using this link: https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=FTC-2018-0057.
    (11) The agency's investigation, enforcement and remedial 
processes. Of particular interest to the Commission: (a) Whether the 
agency's investigative process can be improved without diminishing the 
ability of the Commission to identify and prosecute prohibited conduct; 
(b) the extent to which the Commission's Part 3 process facilitates 
timely and efficient administrative litigation; (c) the efficacy of the 
Commission's current use of its remedial authority; and (d) willingness 
of affected parties to cooperate with the Commission in conducting 
post-investigation and enforcement retrospectives. Comments filed in 
electronic form should be submitted using this link: https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=FTC-2018-0058.
    Public Comments: Interested parties may submit written comments on 
the topics listed above to the FTC. Electronic submission is preferred; 
comments in paper form are also accepted. FTC staff may use these 
comments in any subsequent reports or policy papers. Comments should 
refer to ``Competition and Consumer Protection in the 21st Century 
Hearings, Project Number P181201.'' If an interested party wishes to 
comment on multiple topics, we encourage filing a separate comment for 
each topic. If an interested party wishes to make general comments 
about the hearings, we encourage filing a comment in response to Topic 
1, using this link: https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=FTC-2018-0048. 
For this stage of the public comment process, comments will be accepted 
until August 20, 2018.
    Postal mail addressed to the Commission is subject to delay due to 
heightened security screening. As a result, we encourage you to submit 
your comments online. If you prefer to file your comment on paper, 
write ``Competition and Consumer Protection in the 21st Century 
Hearings, Project Number P181201'' on your comment and on the envelope, 
and mail your comment to the following address: Federal Trade 
Commission, Office of the Secretary, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 
CC-5610 (Annex C), Washington, DC 20580; or deliver your comment to the 
following address: Federal Trade Commission, Office of the Secretary, 
Constitution Center, 400 7th Street SW, 5th Floor, Suite 5610 (Annex 
C), Washington, DC 20024. If possible, submit your paper comment to the 
Commission by courier or overnight service.
    Because your comment may be placed on the publicly accessible FTC 
website at https://www.ftc.gov, you are solely responsible for making 
sure that your comment does not include any sensitive or confidential 
information. In particular, your comment should not include any 
sensitive personal information, such as your or anyone else's Social 
Security number; date of birth; driver's license number or other state 
identification number, or foreign country equivalent; passport number; 
financial account number; or credit or debit card number. You are also 
solely responsible for making sure that your comment does not include 
any sensitive health information, such as medical records or other 
individually identifiable health information. In addition, your comment 
should not include any ``trade secret or any commercial or financial 
information which . . . is privileged or confidential''--as provided in 
Section 6(f) of the FTC Act, 15 U.S.C. 46(f), and FTC Rule 4.10(a)(2), 
16 CFR 4.10(a)(2)--including, in particular, competitively sensitive 
information such as costs, sales statistics, inventories, formulas, 
patterns, devices, manufacturing processes, or customer names.
    Comments containing material for which confidential treatment is 
requested must be filed in paper form, must be clearly labeled 
``Confidential,'' and must comply with FTC Rule 4.9(c). In particular, 
the written request for confidential treatment that accompanies the 
comment must include the factual and legal basis for the request, and 
must identify the specific portions of the comment to be withheld from 
the public record. See FTC Rule 4.9(c). Your comment will be kept 
confidential only if the General Counsel grants your request in 
accordance with the law and the public interest. Once your comment has 
been posted on the public FTC website--as legally required by FTC Rule 
4.9(b)--we cannot redact or remove your comment from the FTC website, 
unless you submit a confidentiality request that meets the requirements 
for such treatment under FTC Rule 4.9(c), and the General Counsel 
grants that request.
    If any entity has provided funding for research, analysis, or 
commentary that is included in a submitted public comment, such funding 
and its source should be identified on the first page of any submitted 
comment.
    Visit the FTC website at https://www.ftc.gov to read this Notice and 
the news release describing it. The FTC Act and other laws that the 
Commission administers permit the collection of public comments to 
consider and use in this proceeding, as appropriate. For this stage of 
the comment process, the Commission will consider all timely and 
responsive public comments that it receives on or before August 20, 
2018.
    The FTC Act and other laws that the Commission administers permit 
the collection of public comments. More information, including routine 
uses permitted by the Privacy Act, may be found in the FTC's privacy 
policy, available at https://www.ftc.gov/site-information/privacy-policy.

    By direction of the Commission.
Donald S. Clark,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2018-16608 Filed 8-3-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6750-01-P
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.