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FTC Developing Economic Study of Tech Industry Data Practices

The FTC is developing plans to issue a 6(b) study of tech industry data practices, an aide for Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., said Wednesday. Such Section 6(b) authority, agency documents say, lets it conduct “wide-ranging economic studies that do not…

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have a specific law enforcement purpose.” The studies allow the agency to collect internal company information. According to the aide, commission Chairman Joe Simons wrote to Thune: “I agree with you that the FTC’s section 6(b) authority could be used to provide some much needed transparency to consumers about the data practices of large technology companies. We are developing plans to issue 6(b) orders in the technology area.” The agency declined comment.