US Regulators Plan Guide for When Business Rivals Can Share Data

February 23, 2026 - 19:06

U.S. antitrust enforcers are moving to provide clearer rules for the business community on permissible cooperation between competitors. The Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division have announced a public initiative to draft updated guidelines concerning information sharing among rival firms.

This effort seeks to address a complex area of antitrust law where businesses often operate in a gray zone. Companies within the same industry may have legitimate reasons to collaborate or share certain data, such as for supply chain efficiency, cybersecurity threats, or standard-setting purposes. However, sharing sensitive information like future pricing, costs, or strategic output plans can quickly cross the line into illegal collusion that harms consumers.

The agencies have opened a formal comment period, soliciting input from legal experts, industry stakeholders, and the public. The goal is to develop a modern framework that helps businesses navigate these partnerships without stifling pro-competitive collaborations. Officials emphasized the need for clarity in today’s data-driven economy, where information exchange is common but the legal boundaries are not always well-defined. The finalized guidelines will aim to help companies assess risk and ensure their competitive practices remain within legal limits, promoting both innovation and fair market competition.