What is the primary focus of the Federal Trade Commission?

The primary focus of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is indeed promoting consumer rights. The FTC is a federal agency established to protect consumers and maintain competition within the marketplace. Its main responsibilities include preventing deceptive, unfair, or anti-competitive business practices. By enforcing laws that protect consumers, the FTC aims to ensure that individuals have access to honest information about products and services, which empowers them to make informed purchasing decisions.

The agency also works to educate the public about their rights as consumers and addresses various issues such as misleading advertising, credit practices, and privacy concerns. This consumer protection role is crucial in fostering trust in the marketplace and promoting fair competition among businesses.

In contrast, the other options represent different areas of focus that do not fall within the FTC's primary mission. Regulating workplace safety pertains to agencies like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), enforcing employment laws is the purview of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and overseeing intellectual property is typically managed by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Each of these areas is important but separate from the FTC's core mission of consumer protection.