Markets Wired

The Federal Trade Commission has announced the final agenda for its upcoming workshop examining issues raised by the proliferation of internet peer-to-peer business platforms, often referred to as the sharing economy.

The event will examine how these new business platforms may affect competition and consumers and explore how effectively existing regulatory frameworks can respond to new sharing economy business models while maintaining appropriate consumer protections.

The daylong event will feature opening remarks by FTC Commissioner Maureen Ohlhausen and an address by Commissioner Catherine J.K. Sandoval of the California Public Utilities Commission. Panels will explore sharing economy platforms, mechanisms for trust in the sharing economy, and various perspectives on the interplay between competition, consumer protection, and regulatory issues. Panelists and speakers will include academics from a number of leading universities, representatives from sharing economy businesses including Uber and Airbnb and self-regulation organizations, and former and current state and local government officials.

The workshop will take place in the FTC’s Constitution Center offices in the A, B, and C conference rooms located at 400 7th Street, SW, in Washington, D.C. The workshop is free and open to the public. Doors will open at 8:00 a.m.

Full details are available on the workshop’s webpage. The workshop will be webcast live on the FTC’s website. Advance registration is not required, but is strongly encouraged.

The FTC’s Office of Policy Planning works with the Commission and its staff to develop long-range competition and consumer policy initiatives, consistent with the FTC’s unique mission to conduct research and engage in advocacy on issues that affect competition, consumers, and the U.S. economy. The Office of Policy Planning submits advocacy filings; conducts research and studies; organizes public workshops; issues reports; and advises staff on cases raising new or complex policy and legal issues. To reach the Office of Policy Planning, send an e-mail to opp@ftc.gov. Like the FTC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, read our blogs, and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources.