Federal Trade Commission Announces Investigation Reforms

On July 17, Federal Trade Commission ("FTC") Acting Chairman Maureen Ohlhausen announced a set of process reforms within the agency's Bureau of Consumer Protection aimed at streamlining information requests and improving transparency in FTC investigations for companies that receive Civil Investigative Demands ("CIDs"). These reforms come amidst concerns being expressed by Congress and professional and industry organizations concerning undue strains that investigations often cause on legitimate business activities.

The reforms announced by Acting Chairman Ohlhausen include:

• Providing plain language descriptions of the investigative demand process;
• Developing business education materials to help small businesses understand how to comply;