WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) today reintroduced the 21^st Century FTC Act, legislation that would give the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) authority to propose regulations and initiate rulemaking as well as reestablish FTC’s first offense comprehensive civil penalty authority to go after companies with unfair or deceptive acts or practices.

“Since the 1980s, the FTC has been hamstrung in its ability to propose and implement effective rules to protect consumers and hold big tech and corporations accountable for harming our friends and neighbors with costly and manipulative practices,” said Rep. Castor. “The 21^st Century FTC Act will ensure the FTC is equipped with the tools they need to go after swindlers and protect American consumers in an increasingly deceptive marketplace.”

The FTC enforces consumer protection laws that prevent and mitigate fraud, deception, and unfair business practices. For too long, the Magnuson-Moss rulemaking process has hamstrung the FTC’s ability to promulgate effective rules to protect consumers and provide businesses with clear guidelines. And the FTC’s lack of civil penalty authority for violations of the FTC Act has limited its ability to deter and penalize unfair and deceptive acts and practices. This bill will equip the FTC with the improved tools it needs to protect Americans from scam artists and other bad actors.