It's absolutely not an "overreach." The FTC is actually starting to do their job after decades of letting industries consolidate. Congress should increase their budget so they can do more of it.
I'm genuinely interested in what US Code permits the FTC to ask for such a trove of company information and strategy. My suspicion is that they're reaching. We can talk about whether we feel it's an overreach or not - you clearly feel the opposite of me - but I hope someone can chime in with the actual mandate or code.
https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc/what-we-do/enforcement-authori...
>The FTC is issuing the orders under Section 6(b) of the FTC Act, which authorizes the Commission to conduct wide-ranging studies that do not have a specific law enforcement purpose.
> the Commission may prescribe annual or special, or both annual and special, reports or answers in writing to specific questions
I do not see how the requirements of part 12 of this Order are "specific questions," in fact they are quite broad to me. But I suppose that's for a lawyer to decide.
[0]: https://www.ftc.gov/sites/default/files/documents/statutes/f... (Control+F "Sec. 6")
They are looking to establish a new name for themselves with the public, and right now is the perfect time to do it.
“We’re taking big tech to task for the safety of our children! You’ve seen the headlines about what they’ve let happen under their watch! The FTC is here for you!”