FCC Has Unique Role To Play in Protecting Consumers, Sohn Says

Gigi Sohn, senior aide to FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler, fired back at critics of the agency, who she said would “strip” it of its consumer protection role, in a speech Thursday in Providence, Rhode Island. Critics “argue that having more than one agency regulate a sector is redundant, confusing and leads to inconsistent results that lead to uncertainty and chill investment” she said, according to text posted by the FCC Friday. “These arguments don’t hold much water.” Sohn stressed that the FCC brings to the table its unique expertise on consumer issues. “It employs lawyers, economists, technologists and researchers who are steeped in the knowledge of how the industries work and how their services affect consumers,” she said. “The FCC also has a fundamental understanding of how industry behavior will play into the long-term growth of the industry.” The FCC is also unique as an “ex ante” regulator, adopting regulations that protect consumers before they are harmed, she said. “The FTC, on the other hand, acts principally as an enforcer of the Federal Trade Commission Act and antitrust laws, post hoc, or after the fact.” The FCC works “hand-in-hand” with the FTC on many consumer protection issues, including privacy, Sohn said. “Among other things, the agencies share consumer complaints, refer cases to each other and engage in joint enforcement actions,” she said. “We expect this fruitful relationship will continue to ensure consumers are protected.” The FCC coordinates transaction review with the Department of Justice, an agency limited to enforcing the antitrust laws, she noted.