Deregulation

Deregulation is a process by which governments reduce or simplify government-imposed restrictions on businesses and individual investors in order to encourage freer market activity. The term became popular during the late 20th century, when the activity became popular. The 1970s in the U.S. began a period of significant deregulation, notably of transportation. Toward the end of the 20th century, significant deregulation of media, including telecommunications, changed the communication environment in the U.S.

Advocates of deregulation argue that restrictions on trade should be as minimal as possible, since markets will efficiently provide appropriate levels of products and appropriate prices if left to operate unhindered. Opponents of deregulation argue that some level of government regulation is required to protect consumers