Question

how do corporations benefit from government regulation?

*refer to Dean Baker's THE CONSERVATIVE NANNY STATE*

Answer 1

The U.S. government has put in place many business regulations to protect the rights of employees, protect the environment, and hold corporations accountable for how much power they have in this corporate-driven society. Some of these regulations are more outstanding than the others because of their relevance to each U.S. employee and consumer.

The Federal Trade Commission's marketing and advertising rules exist to protect customers and keep businesses truthful about their goods. Each company in the country is expected to comply with the laws of truth-in-advertising and may face infringement litigation. Under three main requirements, truth-in-advertising laws consist of dozens of tidbits: advertising in the United States must be truthful and non-misleading; businesses must be able to back up advertising claims at all times; and advertising must be fair to competitors and consumers.

Employment laws are one of the ever-changing regulations in business. These laws relate to minimum wages, benefits, compliance with safety and health, working for non-U.S. Citizens, working conditions, equal opportunities, and privacy regulations–covering the broadest range of subjects protected by all business regulations. Many labor laws, among others, stand out as the heavy hitters.

Together with state agencies, the Environmental Protection Agency controls the carbon footprint and the effect of companies on the climate. The EPA enforces federal government environmental laws through educational resources, frequent inspections, and accountability of local agencies. The Environmental Compliance Assistance Guide is available to help small and large companies achieve environmental compliance, and represents more than an enforcer as an educational resource.

The Federal Trade Commission regulates business practices and summons or sanctions corporations who breach their privacy obligations to customers. For example, when a company promises not to use their information other than what is stated, or shares their private information without consent, or monitors the online, mobile, and/or television habits of customers without prior notification, the FTC publicly charges them with such offenses, levies heavy fines, and forces the company to change its unethical practices.