Which agency protects consumers against unfair and deceptive practices in advertising?

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is the agency responsible for protecting consumers against unfair and deceptive practices in advertising. The FTC monitors various advertising and marketing practices to ensure that they are truthful and not misleading. This includes overseeing a wide range of activities, from traditional advertisements to online marketing techniques.

The FTC has the authority to investigate complaints from consumers and businesses about misleading advertising. They can take action against companies that violate their guidelines, which is critical in maintaining fair competition and protecting consumer rights. By enforcing laws related to advertising practices, the FTC helps ensure that consumers can make informed choices based on accurate information.

In contrast, other agencies like the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) focus on product safety rather than the honesty of advertising, while the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates communication industries but does not primarily address misleading advertising. The Better Business Bureau (BBB), on the other hand, is a nonprofit organization that focuses on marketplace trust and ethical business practices, but it does not possess regulatory authority to take actions against businesses like the FTC does.