What does the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) primarily regulate?

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) primarily regulates truthfulness in advertising. This means that the FTC ensures that advertisements are not misleading or deceptive, and that the claims made in ads are substantiated by evidence when necessary. The focus on truthfulness helps to protect consumers from false information, ensuring they can make informed decisions based on accurate representations of products and services.

Regulating truthfulness in advertising encompasses a range of activities, including examining the marketing practices of various industries, investigating complaints about misleading advertisements, and enforcing compliance with advertising standards. This central role reflects the FTC's commitment to fair competition and consumer protection.

While the FTC does have roles that indirectly touch on other areas, such as oversight of certain advertising practices in pharmaceuticals and foods, its primary mandate is rooted in ensuring honesty and transparency in advertising practices across all sectors. This makes truthfulness the correct focus for understanding the FTC's primary regulatory responsibilities.