The Federal Trade Commission announced that it is going to hold a series of public hearings on whether broad-based changes in the economy, evolving business practices, new technologies, or international developments may require adjustments to competition and consumer protection law, enforcement priorities, and policy.  The hearings are expected to begin in September 2018 and continue through January 2019, 

In announcing the hearings, FTC Chairman Joe Simons said, "A fundamental characteristic of a strong institution is a willingness to engage with new ideas and, in our case, changes in markets and business-to-business and business-to-consumer relationships." 

The FTC also announced that it is inviting public comments on a variety of topics, including, for example: 

• The state of consumer protection law and enforcement;
• Consumer protection issues in communication, information, and media technology networks; and
• The interpretation and harmonization of state and federal statutes and regulations that prohibit unfair and deceptive acts and practices.

The FTC will be accepting public comments through August 20, 2018.