The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has announced it will host a workshop on February 26, 2026, to discuss how the agency can improve its understanding and measurement of consumer injuries and benefits related to the collection, use, or disclosure of consumer data.
Titled “Measuring Injuries and Benefits in the Data-Driven Economy,” the workshop aims to examine methods for assessing consumers’ privacy preferences and evaluating the effects of data breaches. The event will also consider changes in the marketplace since a similar FTC workshop held in December 2017, noting that there has been significant growth in consumer data collection and use over the past eight years.
Panel discussions during the workshop will cover several topics:
- Methods for quantifying informational injuries and potential advantages of collecting and using consumer data
- The effects of data breaches on consumers and strategies to reduce harm
- Analysis of costs and benefits associated with behavioral and contextual advertising
- Approaches to measuring consumers’ privacy choices, beliefs, and decision-making
The event is scheduled to take place both online and at the FTC’s Constitution Center located at 400 7th St SW, Washington, DC 20024. According to organizers, further details about participation—including webcast information—will be provided on the event page soon. Attendance is free, open to all members of the public, and does not require registration.
"The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition and protect and educate consumers. The FTC will never demand money, make threats, tell you to transfer money, or promise you a prize. Learn more about consumer topics at consumer.ftc.gov, or report fraud, scams, and bad business practices at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Follow the FTC on social media, read consumer alerts and the business blog, and sign up to get the latest FTC news and alerts," stated an official release from the agency.
