Stronger consumer protections needed to address current and emerging harms consumers face online

Nine out of ten consumers worldwide are impacted by “dark commercial patterns” such as countdown timers and hidden fees that influence purchasing decisions and compromise privacy, as revealed in an OECD survey of 35,000 respondents across 20 countries. The OECD Consumer Policy Ministerial Meeting saw Ministers commit to protecting consumers in the digital and green transitions, urging fair practices from businesses, government action, and updated recommendations on e-commerce protection to address evolving risks. The launch of the Global Forum on Consumer Policy aims to foster collaboration on consumer issues, behavioral economics, and emerging policy research, including efforts to promote sustainable consumption choices and raise awareness on the safe use of lithium-ion batteries amid a growing market projected to reach USD 307.8 billion by 2032.

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