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Read. Follow. Verify.FTC Request for Public Feedback on Proposed Voluntary Survey Program
Record date · July 23, 2026
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What This Bill Does
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is seeking public input on a proposal to create a streamlined process for conducting voluntary surveys. These surveys would be used by the FTC's Bureau of Economics to gather information to support consumer protection and competition initiatives.
The FTC is establishing a new, faster process to collect data from the public via voluntary surveys, which will influence how the agency researches consumer and competition issues through July 2026.
Who It Affects
Groups the bill's text affects, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
General Public
Members of the public may be invited to participate in voluntary surveys conducted by the FTC Bureau of Economics.
Federal Trade Commission
The agency is seeking authorization to change its internal process for approving data collection activities.
Key Facts
- The FTC is proposing a 'Generic Clearance' for information collection to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
- The purpose of the clearance is to allow the Bureau of Economics to conduct voluntary surveys to support consumer protection and competition missions.
- The public comment deadline for this proposal is July 23, 2026.
- Participation in any future surveys conducted under this clearance would be voluntary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 'Generic Clearance'?
Will I be required to participate in these surveys?
How can I provide feedback on this proposal?
What else do you want to know?
News Coverage
Follow the record
Votes, people, money & the original sourceFull breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Discoveries
Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.
Streamlining Data Collection
The FTC is moving toward a 'Generic Clearance' model to reduce the administrative burden of approving individual survey projects.
Connected Entities
Sources
www.regulations.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance30How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy10Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment5Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz10Current news / social attention level
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