FTC — consumer privacy and security topic hub

Protecting Consumer Privacy and Security | Federal Trade Commission Skip to main content An official website of the United States government Here’s how you know Here's how you know The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site. The site is secure. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely. Español Report Fraud Submit Public Comments Search the Legal Library Menu Main Menu Mega Show/hide Enforcement menu items Enforcement We enforce federal competition and consumer protection laws that prevent anticompetitive, deceptive, and unfair business practices. View Enforcement Search or browse the Legal Library Find legal resources and guidance to understand your business responsibilities and comply with the law. Browse legal resources Search small Search Sections Cases and Proceedings Premerger Notification Program Merger Review Anticompetitive Practices Rulemaking Statutes Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) Oversight Competition and Consumer Protection Guidance Documents Warning Letters Consumer Sentinel Network Criminal Liaison Unit FTC Refund Programs Notices of Penalty Offenses Competition Matters Blog Take action Submit Merger/Antitrust Comment File adjudicative documents Find banned debt collectors View competition guidance Competition Matters Blog Competition Matters How Loyalty Discounts Between Firms Harm Competition When There Are Network Effects: FTC v. Surescripts Matthew Chesnes (DAD, BE Antitrust I) and Ted Rosenbaum (Acting BE Director) February 13, 2026 View all Competition Matters Blog posts Show/hide Policy menu items Policy We work to advance government policies that protect consumers and promote competition. View Policy Search or browse the Legal Library Find legal resources and guidance to understand your business responsibilities and comply with the law. Browse legal resources Search small Search Sections Advocacy and Research Advisory Opinions Cooperation Agreements Federal Register Notices Reports Public Comments Studies Testimony Policy Statements International Office of Technology Blog Take action Find policy statements Submit a public comment Technology Blog Technology Blog The FTC Is on the Front Lines of Tech Innovation & Regulation Stephanie T. Nguyen, Chief Technologist January 17, 2025 View all Technology Blog posts Show/hide Advice and Guidance menu items Advice and Guidance Learn more about your rights as a consumer and how to spot and avoid scams. Find the resources you need to understand how consumer protection law impacts your business. 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Show/hide About the FTC menu items About the FTC The FTC’s mission is to vigorously enforce the law to protect Americans from anticompetitive, unfair, and deceptive business practices, without unduly burdening legitimate business activity. Learn more about the FTC Sections Mission History Commissioners and Staff Bureaus and Offices Budget and Strategy Office of Inspector General Careers at the FTC Contact Featured Meet the Chairman Andrew N. Ferguson is Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission. Chairman Andrew N. Ferguson Search Show/hide Search menu items Enter Search Term(s): Looking for legal documents or records? Search the Legal Library instead. 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Search the Legal Library instead. Protecting Consumer Privacy and Security Breadcrumb Home News and Events Topics Topics Menu Topics Consumer Finance Mergers and Competition Mobile Technology Issues The Do Not Call Registry Shopping Tools for Consumers Truth In Advertising Protecting Consumer Privacy and Security FTC Policy Work Privacy and Security Enforcement Financial Privacy Kids' Privacy (COPPA) Identity Theft Military Consumer Protection Mobile Cramming Glossary of Scams and Legal Terms The FTC has been the chief federal agency on privacy policy and enforcement since the 1970s, when it began enforcing one of the first federal privacy laws – the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Since then, rapid changes in technology have raised new privacy challenges, but the FTC’s overall approach has been consistent: The agency uses law enforcement, policy initiatives, and consumer and business education to protect consumers’ personal information and ensure that they have the confidence to take advantage of the many benefits of the ever-changing marketplace. FTC Policy Work on Privacy and Data Security Privacy and Security Enforcement Protecting Consumers’ Financial Privacy The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA): What Parents Should Know Return to top Menu Secondary Menu Report Fraud Submit Public Comments Search the Legal Library Main navigation Enforcement Cases and Proceedings Premerger Notification Program Merger Review Anticompetitive Practices Rulemaking Statutes Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) Oversight Competition and Consumer Protection Guidance Documents Warning Letters Consumer Sentinel Network Criminal Liaison Unit FTC Refund Programs Notices of Penalty Offenses Competition Matters Blog Policy Advocacy and Research Advisory Opinions Cooperation Agreements Federal Register Notices Reports Public Comments Studies Testimony Policy Statements International Office of Technology Blog Advice and Guidance Consumer Advice Military Consumer Consumer.gov Business Guidance Competition Guidance Bulk Publications News and Events News Events Features Topics Contests Stay Connected Data Spotlight Explore Data Social Media About the FTC Mission History Commissioners and Staff Bureaus and Offices Budget and Strategy Office of Inspector General Careers at the FTC Contact Footer Privacy Policy Policy and Notices Accessibility FOIA No FEAR Act Office of Inspector General USA.gov