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ARTICLE · 06 MAY 2019

FTC Tech Task Force: Temporary Scrutiny Or Permanent Focus?

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
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The Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) Bureau of Competition has established a task force dedicated to monitoring competition in U.S. technology markets and taking enforcement actions as warranted.

United KingdomAntitrust/Competition Law
Maria Raptis
Maria Raptis
Tara L. Reinhart
Tara L. Reinhart
Kenneth B. Schwartz
Kenneth B. Schwartz
David P. Wales
David P. Wales

The Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) Bureau of Competition has established a task force dedicated to monitoring competition in U.S. technology markets and taking enforcement actions as warranted. While the remit of the task force largely overlaps with the FTC's existing enforcement activities, the announcement signals regulators' increasing focus on the industry.

The Tech Task Force, established on February 26, 2019, is a stand-alone division that draws on existing staff — approximately 17 attorneys within the bureau who have experience in various technology markets, including those for online advertising, social networking, mobile operating systems and apps, and platforms. While the staff is not sufficiently robust to investigate or litigate conduct or mergers without assistance, the Task Force will coordinate with other divisions within the FTC as it weighs the need for longer-term changes. Even if it were to include staff from other divisions on its investigation

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