The history of advertising regulation in the U.S. reflects the tension between commercial freedom and consumer protection:

• Federal Trade Commission Act (1914): Created the Federal Trade Commission and gave it authority to regulate “unfair methods of competition” — primarily focused on preventing anti-competitive business practices that harmed competitor companies
• Wheeler-Lea Amendment (1938): Extended the FTC's jurisdiction to include “unfair or deceptive acts or practices” — crucially, this meant the FTC could now act against advertising that harmed consumers, not just competitor businesses

Other advertising regulations mentioned in the textbook include: the Highway Beautification Act (1965) regulating billboard placement; legal action against R.J. Reynolds' “Joe Camel” campaign; and voluntary codes by the Distilled Spirits Council. Political advertising enjoys First Amendment protection but faces constraints under FCC Equal Access Law and the Federal Election Campaign Act.