FTC Commissioner Ohlhausen Delivers Remarks on the Sharing Economy | Practical Law

FTC Commissioner Ohlhausen Delivers Remarks on the Sharing Economy | Practical Law

Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Commissioner Maureen Ohlhausen delivered remarks on her view of the sharing economy and the public policy questions it raises for the FTC.

FTC Commissioner Ohlhausen Delivers Remarks on the Sharing Economy

Practical Law Legal Update 1-616-4099 (Approx. 3 pages)

FTC Commissioner Ohlhausen Delivers Remarks on the Sharing Economy

by Practical Law Antitrust
Published on 10 Jun 2015 • USA (National/Federal)
Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Commissioner Maureen Ohlhausen delivered remarks on her view of the sharing economy and the public policy questions it raises for the FTC.
On June 9, 2015, Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Commissioner Maureen Ohlhausen delivered remarks at the Sharing Economy Workshop regarding the FTC's interest in the emerging sharing economy. Commissioner Ohlhausen stated that the FTC does not intend to advocate for or against the sharing economy business model and is not currently planning enforcement efforts in the sharing economy space. However, Commissioner Ohlhausen noted that the sharing economy has caused a change in competition in many markets and presents many public policy issues, including:
  • What regulatory framework will allow the sharing economy to thrive, while still protecting consumers?
  • How can the FTC ensure that the sharing economy business model will not negatively affect consumer protection in the areas of:
    • privacy;
    • data security;
    • health; and
    • safety?
  • Will government regulation be replaced by the sharing economy's built-in trust mechanisms?
  • Can regulators avoid creating separate regulatory schemes for older businesses and their new, sharing economy competitors?
  • How should regulators respond to today's highly dynamic market and business models?
Commissioner Ohlhausen stated that the FTC intends to use its competition and consumer protection expertise to facilitate discussions on the future of the sharing economy.