By Rachel Kim, Technology Correspondent
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has announced the rescheduling of its highly anticipated “Attention Economy” workshop to June 4, 2025. Originally slated for May 28, the event will now be held at the FTC’s Constitution Center building in Washington, D.C. It will also be livestreamed on the FTC’s official website for broader public access.
The workshop aims to address the growing significance of attention as a commodity in today’s digital landscape, examining the economic, ethical, and regulatory implications of how consumer attention is captured, commodified, and monetized by tech companies. Topics will include key issues such as data privacy, the impact of algorithmic transparency, and how companies utilize attention metrics to drive profits while protecting consumers’ rights.
Understanding the “Attention Economy”
The “Attention Economy” refers to the increasing value placed on consumer attention in the digital world, where businesses and platforms rely on user engagement as a primary means of generating revenue. As social media, entertainment, and news sites vie for time on users’ screens, the implications for both consumers and businesses are complex. Concerns about data exploitation, user manipulation, and the ethical boundaries of this economic model have drawn increasing scrutiny from lawmakers, regulators, and advocacy groups alike.
The FTC’s workshop intends to explore these concerns and potential solutions, offering a forum for experts from academia, the tech industry, and government to discuss regulatory frameworks, best practices, and the future of consumer protection in the context of the attention-driven economy.
Why the Rescheduling?
The decision to reschedule the workshop was made to ensure greater participation from stakeholders and to allow more attendees the opportunity to join the conversation. The shift from May 28 to June 4 also provides ample time for more panelists to confirm their attendance, with several high-profile speakers expected to contribute their insights.
FTC Chair Lina M. Khan expressed her enthusiasm about the event, stating, “This workshop will offer crucial insights into the evolving dynamics of the digital marketplace, where attention is increasingly a key driver of value. The rescheduled date will enable more stakeholders to engage with this important conversation.”
Key Topics of Discussion
Among the key topics to be covered during the daylong event are:
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Data Privacy and Protection: How companies collect, store, and use personal data to attract and retain consumer attention.
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Algorithmic Transparency: The role algorithms play in influencing user engagement and shaping online behavior.
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Consumer Protection: Examining the FTC’s role in safeguarding consumers against deceptive practices and ensuring their digital rights are respected.
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Digital Addiction and Mental Health: The potential risks of attention-driven digital platforms, such as the impact on mental well-being and the growing concerns over screen time.
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Regulatory Frameworks: Discussing how existing laws and future legislation can address the complexities of attention as a commodity.
A Broad Coalition of Voices
Experts from various sectors are expected to join the workshop’s panels, offering diverse perspectives on how to balance innovation and consumer protection in the evolving digital economy. Industry leaders from major tech companies, academics who have studied the societal impacts of digital engagement, and policymakers will all weigh in on the most pressing challenges and opportunities in the attention economy.
Looking Ahead
The rescheduled FTC workshop marks an important step in the regulatory efforts to understand and address the implications of the attention economy. As platforms continue to refine their algorithms and data collection methods to maximize user engagement, the need for thoughtful, comprehensive discussions about their impact on society is critical. The June 4, 2025, event will provide an invaluable opportunity for a wide range of voices to come together and explore solutions.
For those unable to attend in person, the livestream will ensure that the discussions reach a global audience, providing transparency and a platform for further dialogue on these crucial issues.
Stay tuned for updates on the FTC website, as more details about the speakers and specific topics are made available.
