FTC- Office of Technology Research and Investigation (OTech)
Providing technical expertise to protect consumers and promote competition in digital markets.
Year Founded:
2015
Geography:
North America
Address:
Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Bureau of Consumer Protection United States
Visit WebsiteTo support the FTC's law enforcement and policy work by providing technical expertise on emerging technologies, including AI, algorithms, and automated systems. OTech investigates company practices, builds evidence for enforcement actions, and informs policy development.
AI areas they serve
Areas of Focus
AI and algorithms enforcement
Consumer protection in technology
Automated decision-making
Data privacy
Commercial surveillance
Dark patterns
Children's online privacy
Emerging technology research
AI Impact Areas
Upcoming Goals
Continue building technical capacity for FTC enforcement on AI, algorithms, and automated decision-making
Investigate companies' use of AI and data practices
Publish research on emerging technology risks to consumers
2023: Established by the FTC as the Office of Technology Research and Investigation (OTech), expanding and formalizing the agency's technology research capabilities
Evolved from the earlier Office of Technology: Staff includes technologists, researchers, and data scientists embedded across FTC enforcement work
Plays role in investigating AI-related consumer protection issues
Formed March 23, 2015 as successor to the FTC’s Mobile Technology Unit; published technology-focused studies and related work (e.g., phishing/email authentication work in March 2017).