Industry Groups Give Thumbs Up to FTC Report on Sharing-Economy Companies

The Internet Association and TechNet, both of which count several sharing-economy companies as members, approved of a Thursday FTC review of such peer-to-peer platforms (see 1611170017). The report summarized a 2015 workshop on the topic and didn't issue any recommendations. "Consumers enjoy increased competition, lower prices, and better quality services when sharing economy platforms are able to compete," said IA General Counsel Abigail Slater in a statement. "Consumer protections are hardwired into sharing economy platforms and the internet industry welcomes the FTC’s recognition of this important attribute." TechNet President Linda Moore said in a statement that such platforms produce flexible job opportunities, encourage competition and help the economy. She said the study "demonstrates why it’s critical to advance policies that allow sharing economy platforms to compete on a level playing field with traditional industry participants.” Airbnb, Etsy, Instacart, Lyft and Uber are some major sharing economy companies that are members of either IA, TechNet or both.