Announced Action for July 17, 1998

The Federal Trade Commission has updated its Rules of Practice to enable it to share information under agreements that comply with the International Antitrust Enforcement Assistance Act (IAEAA). The IAEAA authorizes the Commission and Department of Justice to enter into mutual assistance agreements with foreign antitrust authorities in order to provide reciprocal assistance in antitrust investigations.

The amendments to the agency’s Rules of Practice announced today in the Federal Register will reconcile the Commission’s rules with its authority to provide assistance under IAEAA agreements. The amendments to Rule 4.10(d) and (e) describe the protections afforded to materials that the agency obtains in conducting law enforcement investigations and other activities.

The Commission vote to approve the amendments was 4-0.

Copies of the full text of the Federal Register notice are available from the FTC’s web site at http://www.ftc.gov and also from the FTC’s Consumer Response Center, Room 130, 6th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20580; 202-FTC- HELP (202-382-4357); TDD for the hearing impaired 1-866-653-4261. Consent agreements subject to public comment also are available by calling 202-326-3627. To find out the latest news as it is announced, call the FTC NewsPhone recording at 202-326-2710.

Staff Contact:

Debra A.Valentine,
Office of the General Counsel
202-326-2390

(FTC File No. P859907)