Do women pay more than men for similar consumer products, giving rise to what some call a “Pink Tax”? After controlling for product size and other factors, prices for half of the personal care items we looked at are higher for women, including deodorants and fragrances. Some men's items cost more, such as razors. Whether the price differences are due to gender bias is unclear. Ad costs and co...

In 2006, GAO investigated companies selling direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic tests and testified that these companies made medically unproven disease predictions. Although new companies have since been touted as being more reputable--Time named one company's test 2008's "invention of the year"--experts remain concerned that the test results mislead consumers. GAO was asked to investigate DTC genet...

In response to a congressional request, GAO provided information on how the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and a nonprofit organization handled an individual's claims under an automobile manufacturer's written warranty.GAO found that: (1) the individual purchased a new automobile from an automobile dealer and received a written warranty that required consumers to use an informal dispute resolution...

In response to a congressional request, GAO commented on the extent to which a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) official, nominated to be an NLRB member, should disqualify himself from participating in NLRB cases. It was determined that under the applicable regulations and statutory provisions, the individual was only required to disqualify himself from cases in which he participated personal...

In response to a congressional request, GAO commented on the extent to which a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) official, nominated to be an NLRB member, should disqualify himself from participating in NLRB cases. It was determined that under the applicable regulations and statutory provisions, the individual was only required to disqualify himself from cases in which he participated personal...

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Improvements Act of 1980 provides for congressional review of final rules promulgated by FTC. The Act requires that, before the end of the fiscal year, the Comptroller General submit a report to Congress. This interim report discusses some issues that Congress may wish to consider and is based upon examination of the rulemaking proceedings and other FTC records f...