Improving consumer protection through cloud computing

Challenge: The FTC lacks sufficient data processing capability to analyze the hundreds of terabytes of information needed for modern investigations, forcing reliance on costly external consultants and limiting the agency’s ability to protect consumers from unfair, deceptive, and anticompetitive business practices.

Approach: With TMF support, the FTC will:

• Build a comprehensive, scalable cloud environment with AI-powered analytical tools
• Develop in-house staff expertise to handle complex data analysis through comprehensive training programs
• Establish secure data processing workflows for sensitive consumer information

These improvements are expected to:

• Accelerate investigation timelines by reducing data processing from weeks to hours
• Save millions by bringing analysis in-house rather than outsourcing at 300-400% higher costs
• Enhance collaboration with DOJ and state legal offices through improved data sharing capabilities
• Allow the agency to leverage previously unattainable compute power, improving outcomes and lowering costs for American consumers