The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation convened on September 21, 2023, for a nominations hearing focused on the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The meeting aimed to discuss the nominees' qualifications and their perspectives on pressing issues facing these agencies.

The session began with a discussion on the FTC's past practices regarding public allegations of unethical behavior, particularly concerning the chair. A senator emphasized the importance of transparency, suggesting that the commission has an obligation to disclose such allegations to maintain integrity within the agency.

Senator Tester raised concerns about the prevalence of robocalls, which he described as a significant annoyance affecting many Americans. He noted that the FTC receives millions of complaints about unwanted calls, highlighting the need for stronger enforcement against deceptive practices. The nominees acknowledged the FTC's historical role in addressing these issues, with one nominee stating that the agency received over three million complaints in just one week. They expressed a commitment to enhancing enforcement efforts, particularly against fraud and scams that exploit technological advancements.

The conversation then shifted to the FTC's potential role in regulating emerging technologies, specifically artificial intelligence (AI). The nominees agreed that while existing laws could apply to new technologies, Congress should ultimately determine if new regulations are necessary. They emphasized the importance of adapting current laws to address the challenges posed by AI, particularly in relation to consumer protection and fraud.

Senator Thune raised a question about the implications of the Internet Pact Act, which aims to hold big tech accountable by removing certain legal immunities. The nominees supported the idea, stating that it would allow the FTC to pursue enforcement actions more effectively against violations of consumer protection laws.

The hearing concluded with a discussion on data privacy legislation. The nominees recognized the FTC's historical role in protecting consumer data and expressed support for comprehensive privacy legislation at the federal level. They noted that while states are experimenting with their own laws, a unified federal approach would be more effective in addressing the complexities of data privacy across state lines.

Overall, the hearing underscored the nominees' commitment to addressing consumer protection issues, enhancing enforcement against deceptive practices, and adapting to the challenges posed by emerging technologies. The committee's discussions highlighted the need for ongoing collaboration between the FTC, Congress, and other stakeholders to ensure effective regulation and consumer protection in a rapidly changing landscape.