New rules will shield European consumers from unfair practices online
E-commerce - Image by Varun
(BRUSSELS) - New consumer rights come into force on 28 May, with the EU's 'Better enforcement and modernisation Directive' to protect consumers from unfair practices online to the same extent that they are offline.
The new rules will equip both consumers and competent authorities with stronger tools to enforce their rights, such as imposing stronger penalties or remedies against harm.
"European consumers are entitled to the highest standards of protection, and those new rules are precisely delivering on this commitment," said the Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders: "For instance, while searching for a product online, transparent information must now be provided by platforms about the way offers are ranked. This is to avoid misleading commercial practices. Access to individual remedies, as well as penalties for cross-border infringements will also be reinforced. It will ensure a just compensation to victims and a real dissuasion for perpetrators."
With a digital world in constant evolution, the Commission says it continues to work to ensure that the legislation is fit for the future and gives equal protection to consumers, online and offline.
Interested stakeholders can provide feedback on the Fitness Check of EU consumer law on digital fairness until 14 June.
On 25 May, the Commission has also published a study on "dark patterns", interface designs aimed at tricking consumers into making certain choices.
Better enforcement and modernisation Directive
A factsheet with more information on the new rights introduced by the modernisation Directive is available.