Deregulation is the process by which governments remove, reduce, or simplify
restrictions on
business and individuals with the intent of encouraging the efficient operation of markets. The stated rationale for deregulation is often that fewer and simpler regulations will lead to a raised level of competitiveness, therefore higher
productivity, more
efficiency and lower prices overall. Deregulation is different from
liberalization because a liberalized market, while often having less and simpler regulations, can also have regulations in order to increase efficiency and protect
consumer's
rights, one example being
anti-trust legislation. However, the terms are often used interchangeably within deregulated/liberalised industries.
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