Competition Authority (various countries)

Competition Authorities are government agencies in various countries responsible for promoting and ensuring fair competition in markets. They enforce laws to prevent monopolies, promote consumer welfare, and create a level playing field for businesses. This helps to avoid unfair practices like price-fixing or market manipulation. Examples include the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the United States and the European Commission's Competition Directorate in the EU. By evaluating mergers and investigating anti-competitive behavior, these authorities strive to foster innovation and protect consumers from unfair trade practices, ultimately benefiting the economy as a whole.