FTC Updates (September 30 – October 4, 2024)

In the beginning of October, the FTC announced it is compensating consumers deceived by bait-and-switch advertising for vision correction procedures. The FTC also outlined the threats to competition posed by AI. More on these updates after the jump.

Thursday, October 3, 2024

Bureau of Consumer Protection: Health Professional Services

• On Thursday, October 3, 2024, the FTC announced that it is compensating consumers who were misled by LCA-Vision, the largest LASIK surgery provider in the U.S. In a complaint filed by the FTC in January 2023, the FTC alleged that LCA-Vision used bait-and-switch advertising to lure consumers into costly vision correction procedures. Specifically, the company promoted $300 vision correction services when in reality only a small percentage of consumers would qualify, and the promoted price was per eye. As a result, many consumers spent time in lengthy eye exams and consultations only to receive a quote for over six times the promotional price.

Friday, October 4, 2024

Competition in Artificial Intelligence

• After the close of the G7 Competition Authorities and Policymakers’ Summit held in Rome, Italy on October 3-4, 2024, FTC Chair Lina Khan and other representatives issued a Communiqué, which outlines AI competition concerns as well as guidance to promote competition in AI markets. A key takeaway is the responsibility of competition authorities and policymakers to address risks to competition in AI markets and enforce fair competition in this quickly evolving landscape. You can read the Communiqué in full here.