IP Democracy: Lawmakers Rap FTC Over Handling of Take-Two

It’s amazing how much of a political football video games are. The latest case in point: Republican lawmakers yesterday called the FTC on the carpet for its settlement with “Grand Theft Auto” maker Take-Two Interactive Software.

At a hearing yesterday on violent video games, Republicans criticized a settlement the FTC made with the game distributor that they viewed as nothing more than a “slap on the wrist.” The FTC, at the request of Congress, investigated whether “Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas” contained undisclosed hidden sex scenes that could be viewed via downloadable software.

The FTC settled with Take-Two, barring the company from misrepresenting its content or ratings descriptions. Not enough said the Congressmen.

At a House Energy and Commerce subcommittee hearing on violent video games, Michigan Republican Fred Upton complained the settlement terms “aren’t even a slap on the wrist.”

“I guess I thought the FTC had a few more teeth,” Upton added.

Texas Republican Joe Barton, chairman of the entire committee, said the FTC had yet to formally submit a report to Congress on its investigation.

“Given the sensitivity of the issue, it’s not acceptable practice by the FTC to respond in such a tardy fashion,” Barton said.

Of all the issues to get worked up over, the FTC’s handling of Take-Two’s possible content description violations seems like an utter waste of time.

Posted by Cynthia Brumfield on June 15, 2006 11:23 AM to IP Democracy