Deregulation

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Definition of 'Deregulation'

Deregulation is the process of removing or reducing government rules and regulations in a particular industry or market. It can be done at the federal, state, or local level.

Deregulation is often done in the name of increasing competition and innovation, and reducing the cost of doing business. However, it can also have unintended consequences, such as increasing the risk of market failure and financial crises.

There are a number of arguments for deregulation. Some of the most common include:

* **Increased competition:** Deregulation can increase competition in a market by reducing the barriers to entry for new businesses. This can lead to lower prices and more choices for consumers.
* **Reduced costs:** Deregulation can reduce the cost of doing business by reducing the regulatory burden on businesses. This can make it easier for businesses to operate and invest, which can lead to economic growth.
* **Innovation:** Deregulation can encourage innovation by giving businesses more freedom to experiment with new products and services. This can lead to new technologies and economic growth.

There are also a number of arguments against deregulation. Some of the most common include:

* **Increased risk of market failure:** Deregulation can increase the risk of market failure by reducing the government's ability to regulate and oversee markets. This can lead to financial crises and other problems.
* **Increased concentration of power:** Deregulation can lead to increased concentration of power in a market by allowing a few large businesses to dominate the market. This can reduce competition and lead to higher prices and less innovation.
* **Increased risk of fraud:** Deregulation can increase the risk of fraud by reducing the government's ability to monitor and enforce regulations. This can lead to financial losses for consumers and businesses.

The debate over deregulation is complex and there is no easy answer. The decision of whether or not to deregulate a particular industry or market is often based on a number of factors, including the specific industry, the potential benefits and risks of deregulation, and the political climate.

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