By Alan Fink, Technology Policy Reporter
Published: June 4, 2025
Location: Washington, D.C.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has rescheduled its highly anticipated Attention Economy Workshop to June 4, 2025, at the Constitution Center in Washington, D.C. Originally set for May 28, the event will delve into the growing challenges and ethical considerations that arise from the monetization of consumer attention in the digital age.
The rescheduled Attention Economy Workshop will bring together a diverse range of experts from technology, law, consumer advocacy, and digital marketing to address the increasingly complex relationship between users, platforms, and the attention economy. With online platforms now a central part of modern life, the FTC’s workshop aims to investigate how these platforms capture and monetize consumer attention, all while exploring potential consumer protection concerns and regulatory solutions.
This development highlights the accelerating scrutiny of the digital economy, where businesses rely on attention-based models that can impact users’ privacy, well-being, and autonomy. In particular, the rise of algorithm-driven content platforms has led to heightened concerns over data privacy, the psychological effects of attention-driven engagement, and the societal implications of increasingly intrusive advertising.
Key Issues to be Discussed
The rescheduled workshop will feature panel discussions focusing on several pressing issues at the intersection of digital technology and consumer protection:
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Data Privacy: A significant concern in the attention economy is how platforms track and store consumer data. Experts will discuss the ethical and legal implications of collecting massive amounts of personal data, and whether the existing privacy laws, like GDPR or CCPA, are sufficient to protect users in an age where platforms increasingly rely on user data for engagement and profit.
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Algorithmic Transparency: The algorithms behind digital platforms’ recommendation engines are often opaque, influencing everything from news feeds to targeted advertisements. The FTC will examine whether these algorithms manipulate user attention in ways that are not immediately apparent, and how transparency could play a role in protecting consumer rights. Should users have the right to fully understand how their attention is being monetized?
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Psychological Impact: Another key discussion will center around the psychological effects of constant engagement, such as social media addiction and the potential negative impact on mental health. The workshop will explore whether attention economy models disproportionately target vulnerable groups, including children, and how companies might be held accountable for these effects.
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Ethical Business Practices: How far can businesses go in monetizing user attention without crossing ethical lines? The attention economy often capitalizes on the psychological tendencies of users, nudging them toward increasingly addictive behaviors. At the same time, these platforms can offer valuable services, from entertainment to connection. How can businesses balance profit motives with social responsibility?
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Regulatory Approaches: Given the complexities of the attention economy, the workshop will also consider potential regulations that could protect consumers without stifling innovation. From mandatory transparency disclosures to user control over data usage, experts will discuss possible legislative frameworks that could help mitigate some of the risks associated with these business models.
Livestream and Public Engagement
To ensure broad participation, the FTC will livestream the event on its official website. This approach allows for greater public engagement, giving stakeholders—including consumers, businesses, academics, and advocacy groups—the opportunity to watch the proceedings and contribute their views.
Ahead of the event, the public is encouraged to submit comments and questions to help guide the discussions. This focus on public involvement is part of the FTC’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that the regulatory process is transparent and inclusive, allowing diverse perspectives to shape the future of attention economy policy.
Why It Matters
The decision to reschedule the workshop underscores the increasing urgency of addressing the challenges posed by attention-based business models. As more aspects of daily life become digital, and as platforms become more sophisticated in capturing attention, there is a growing need to reassess how these companies operate and how they affect consumer behavior.
In an era where consumers are bombarded with personalized content, the ethical questions around monetizing attention have become critical. How much should companies be allowed to manipulate user attention for profit, and at what cost to individual well-being? How can consumers regain control over their personal data and online behavior?
The FTC’s efforts to address these concerns are part of a broader trend toward increasing regulation in the digital space. The workshop, which is expected to feature expert testimony from leading figures in digital marketing, law, and consumer advocacy, marks a significant step toward developing a framework for responsible digital engagement.
Looking Ahead
The rescheduled event promises to be a critical moment in the ongoing conversation about how society handles the tension between technological innovation and consumer protection. As the digital economy continues to grow, policymakers and regulators face mounting pressure to ensure that new technologies do not come at the expense of personal privacy, autonomy, and mental health.
The workshop will also explore the potential for new regulatory measures to guide businesses toward more ethical and sustainable practices, such as incorporating user consent into design choices or introducing limits on the extent to which platforms can exploit users’ attention.
As the attention economy continues to evolve, the outcome of these discussions could have far-reaching implications for businesses, consumers, and regulators alike. The rescheduled event serves as a reminder of the pressing need to strike a balance between innovation and the protection of public interests.