Cantwell urges robust FTC enforcement on AI scams, anticompetitive mergers

Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., the committee's ranking member, used her opening remarks at the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee hearing to press for strong Federal Trade Commission enforcement against anticompetitive mergers and emerging consumer scams facilitated by artificial intelligence.

Cantwell said the FTC is a “frontline defender of very complex consumer marketplace issues,” and said competition drives innovation and economic growth. She cited FTC data showing that in 2023 consumers reported losing $10,400,000,000 to fraud, with a median loss of $500, and said the agency should continue policing unfair and deceptive practices.

The senator specifically pointed to efforts to block large mergers, naming the proposed Kroger–Albertsons deal as a concern for farmers and consumers in the Pacific Northwest, and referenced ongoing litigation and scrutiny of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). She told the committee that she and Sen. Chuck Grassley have reintroduced legislation on PBMs.

Cantwell also described an example of an AI-enabled scam she encountered through a constituent’s family member: someone impersonated a celebrity and persuaded the person to transfer large sums. “So we definitely need an FTC to be the policeman on the beat and continue to make sure that these pressures facing consumers are addressed,” Cantwell said.

She urged the committee and the nominees on the panel to recognize the FTC’s role beyond routine regulation, including blocking anti‑competitive mergers and pursuing firms that harm consumers.

The remarks were part of the hearing’s opening statements; committee questioning of nominees followed. Cantwell said she planned to address these topics further during the question-and-answer portion of the hearing.