PA Chamber Op-Ed Addresses Need to Rein in FTC’s Antitrust Activism

In an op-ed published in the Legal Intelligencer last week, PA Chamber Vice President and General Counsel Megan Martin warned that recent actions from the Federal Trade Commission threaten the vitality of the nation’s tech economy.

Martin argues that the FTC’s recent accusations against the technology industry of wrongdoing are vague, inconsistent, and often based on accusations of market manipulation or collusion. While the courts are fortunately ruling against the FTC due to lack of evidence and failure to prove any consumer harm, it remains alarming that the commission appears to be acting outside the scope of its power and targeting critical industries – not only tech but also healthcare, transportation, financial services, and even food production.

“As the statewide voice of business in Pennsylvania, we are deeply concerned about the FTC’s recent actions,” Martin warns in her op-ed. “Placing practically unchecked power in the hands of regulators is no way to protect the interests of consumers or businesses, whether in Pennsylvania or anywhere else. To protect Pennsylvania’s economic future, the FTC must return to the consumer welfare standard and end its activist enforcement of antitrust laws. This will ensure a more balanced approach that safeguards both businesses and consumers while fostering innovation and growth in our commonwealth.”

Click here to read the full op-ed.

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Founded in 1916, the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry is the state's largest broad-based business association, with its membership comprising businesses of all sizes and across all industry sectors. The PA Chamber is The Statewide Voice of BusinessTM.