Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Impact on Australians in 2025

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) may be a US regulator, but its reach stretches well beyond American borders. In 2025, as digital trade, cross-border e-commerce, and global data flows become ever more entwined, Australians are feeling the ripple effects of FTC policy more than ever before. Whether you’re a business owner, investor, or consumer, understanding the FTC’s evolving role is essential to navigating the new financial landscape.

What is the Federal Trade Commission?

Founded in 1914, the FTC is the United States’ chief consumer protection and competition agency. Its mission: to prevent anti-competitive, deceptive, and unfair business practices through law enforcement, advocacy, and education. In 2025, the FTC’s focus has sharpened on areas like data privacy, digital advertising, online scams, and the regulation of Big Tech. Its rulings often set global benchmarks, influencing regulators and businesses far beyond the US.

• Consumer protection: Cracking down on scams, false advertising, and unfair business tactics.
• Competition: Enforcing antitrust laws, reviewing mergers, and monitoring monopolistic behaviour.
• Digital policy: Addressing privacy, AI transparency, and digital markets—areas where Australian and US interests often overlap.

Why Should Australians Care About the FTC?

While the FTC doesn’t regulate Australian businesses directly, its decisions frequently set the tone for global business standards. In recent years, Australian companies operating internationally—or collecting data on US consumers—have found themselves under the FTC’s microscope. Here’s why the FTC matters for Australians in 2025:

• Cross-border e-commerce: Many Aussie retailers sell to US customers. FTC actions can affect payment processing, returns policies, and digital advertising standards.
• Data privacy and digital rights: The FTC’s 2025 crackdown on AI-powered data collection and surveillance advertising has prompted Australia’s OAIC and ACCC to review local guidelines. Expect tighter scrutiny on how businesses handle consumer data, especially for financial apps and fintechs.
• Big Tech regulation: The FTC’s major 2025 antitrust cases against US tech giants have global consequences, reshaping app store fees, search engine dominance, and social media policies in Australia as well.

For example, the FTC’s 2025 settlement with Meta (Facebook’s parent company) over “dark patterns” in subscription services led several Australian fintechs to update their user consent flows, anticipating similar action from local regulators.

2025 Policy Updates: What’s New?

This year, the FTC has introduced several headline reforms that ripple through international markets, including Australia:

• AI and algorithmic transparency rules: New regulations require companies using AI to disclose how algorithms affect pricing, credit decisions, and advertising. Australian buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) platforms with US exposure are already adapting to these changes.
• Stronger enforcement against junk fees: The FTC’s 2025 crackdown on hidden surcharges in travel, ticketing, and financial services is pressuring global platforms—including those operating in Australia—to show fees upfront.
• International collaboration: The FTC is deepening ties with the ACCC and other regulators to share intelligence on scams, especially in crypto and digital finance. Expect more joint investigations and coordinated enforcement in 2025.

These moves have already prompted the Australian government to fast-track its own digital markets reforms, aiming to keep pace with international best practice.

How Should Australians Respond?

Whether you’re a consumer or running a business, it’s smart to stay across the FTC’s evolving agenda. Here are three practical takeaways for 2025:

• Audit your digital practices: If your business targets US consumers or uses US-based tech platforms, review your data, marketing, and fee disclosure practices to ensure global compliance.
• Watch for local regulatory shifts: The ACCC and OAIC are closely monitoring FTC action. Be ready for Australia to adopt similar consumer protections, especially in digital finance and e-commerce.
• Empower yourself as a consumer: Understand your rights when dealing with overseas businesses and digital platforms. The global push for transparency and fairness means stronger protections for Australians, too.