Have you ever heard the term “regulatory capture” and wondered what it meant? You’re not alone. In fact, regulatory capture is a relatively obscure concept that many people don’t understand. But this phenomenon has a real impact on our lives, so it’s important to learn — what is regulatory capture? Let’s dive in!

What Is Regulatory Capture?

Regulatory capture occurs when a government regulatory agency or other organization charged with regulating a particular industry, sector, or activity becomes “captured” by those whom it regulates. In other words, the regulated entities become so powerful that they can influence the decisions of regulators in their favor.

This happens when regulators come to believe that their job is not to protect public interests but rather to serve the interests of those who are being regulated. This means that regulations become more favorable to businesses than they are to consumers and citizens. It also means that regulation can be used as a way for companies to increase profits by limiting competition or manipulating markets.

How Does It Happen?

Regulatory capture can happen in several different ways. First of all, industry leaders and lobbyists often donate large amounts of money to politicians in order to gain influence over regulatory agencies. This kind of lobbying can lead to regulations being passed that benefit certain companies at the expense of others and/or the public interest as a whole.

In addition, there may be an element of “revolving door” syndrome at play here; regulators may leave their positions for higher-paying jobs within the industry they were once charged with regulating. This creates conflicts of interest that can lead to biased decisions being made in favor of certain companies or individuals instead of protecting public interests.

What is Regulatory Capture in Summary

In short, regulatory capture occurs when businesses and lobbyists use money and influence to gain control over regulatory agencies in order to push through policies that benefit them while disadvantaging consumers or citizens at large. Understanding how this process works can help young adults become informed citizens who are better equipped to identify when regulatory capture might be occurring in their community or country—and then take action accordingly!

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