Protecting Consumers in the Next Tech-ade: A Report

This is a time of extraordinary change: technology is transforming interpersonal and business communication, including marketing and advertising to consumers. Products are evolving as a result of innovation. Even the way consumers are paying for goods and services is being revolutionized, as electronic payment systems serve up new and inventive ways to exchange money. Indeed, some things that we have begun to take for granted existed, not very long ago, only in the realm of science fiction.

To learn more about the many technological developments that are changing the marketplace – and to assess their effect on consumers and, in turn, the consumer protection agenda – Chairman Deborah Platt Majoras directed the staff of the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) to hold hearings on “Protecting Consumers in the Next Tech-ade” in November 2006.

The Tech-ade hearings were structured to bring together a provocative mix of experts – speakers, discussants, and exhibitors – to explore the future of commerce as it relates to consumer protection. During the three public days of the event, more than 100 eminent scholars, marketers, technologists, entrepreneurs, and lawyers discussed technological developments that will shape the future, and the challenges they see for consumers, businesses, and those in the broader consumer protection community, including law enforcers, consumer educators, advocates, and researchers. A fourth day, open only to government representatives, featured discussion of the trends and challenges highlighted during the public hearings, and underscored the need for interagency cooperation at all levels to successfully meet the challenges of the coming decade.