Episode 43: Behind the curtain at the FTC

In this episode, Alan is joined by Shoshana Wodinsky, veteran journalist in the ads space turned tech expert for the Federal Trade Commission. Shoshana offers an unfiltered view of how things sometimes function at the Commission - and shares some insights on how recent FTC policies impact the ads space.

Takeaways

• The U.S. lacks a national privacy law, relying on state laws.
• The FTC has historically set privacy standards.
• Lina Khan's leadership marked a shift in consumer protection.
• The Office of Technology was created to address tech issues.
• Bureaucracy can slow down regulatory processes significantly.
• Investigations can sometimes feel like fishing expeditions.
• The FTC's approach to bias in advertising raises questions.
• Legal theories in advertising can be complex and vague.
• Collaboration among commissioners is crucial for effective regulation.
• Upholding the truth is essential in regulatory work.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Privacy and Regulation

03:08 The Role of the FTC in Privacy Standards

05:43 Lina Khan's Impact on Consumer Protection

08:53 Navigating Between Technology and Economics

11:33 The Challenges of Bureaucracy in Regulation

14:45 Investigating Bias in Advertising

17:30 The Complexity of Legal Theories

20:16 The Nature of FTC Investigations

23:16 The Balance of Ideology in the FTC

26:32 The Future of Privacy Regulation

29:29 Conclusion and Reflections on FTC Dynamics

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