FTC Updates Rules for Faster Case Processing and Records
Published Date: 9/24/2026
Rule
Summary
The FTC is updating its rules to make things clearer and smoother for everyone involved. These changes affect how staff handle information requests, assign judges, and manage public records, with some new deadlines and procedures starting September 24, 2026. No big money changes here—just smarter, faster government work for businesses and the public.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
More flexible Second Requests in mergers
If your company is subject to a Hart-Scott-Rodino "Second Request" during a merger review, the FTC clarified that staff may consider six specific factors when deciding to modify that request: timing agreement negotiations; the competitive issues involved; how the recipient maintains information and documents; the type of information available; the relative burdens on the recipient(s); and whether a less burdensome request would meet the needs of the investigation. This clarification is part of the amended 16 CFR 2.20 effective September 24, 2026.
Breach reporting when 500+ customer records lost
If you run a financial institution, the FTC's updated table confirms the Safeguards Rule requires reporting to the Commission when unencrypted customer information involving 500 or more consumers is acquired without authorization. That information collection is now reflected by OMB Control No. 3084-0171.
Eyeglass prescriptions: signed receipt and records
If you give eyeglass prescriptions, the FTC's updated entry for the Ophthalmic Practice Rules (OMB Control No. 3084-0174) reflects that covered entities must obtain a signed confirmation that the patient received their prescription after receiving a copy and must retain records demonstrating compliance with prescription-release requirements. This codifies the existing eyeglass prescription confirmation and recordkeeping obligation.
Ticket and short-stay fee price transparency
If you buy live-event tickets or short-term lodging, the FTC confirms that sellers must disclose the total price, any fee or charge excluded from that total price, and the final amount of payment for the transaction. That disclosure requirement is reflected in OMB Control No. 3084-0176 for the Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees.
FOIA requests must use portals or mail
You can submit Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests to the FTC using the FTC's online FOIA portal on www.ftc.gov, the government-wide National FOIA Portal at www.foia.gov, or by mail to Freedom of Information Act Request, Office of the General Counsel, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20580. The FTC removed facsimile and email as accepted submission methods; this change is effective September 24, 2026.
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Key Dates
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