InfoCons Consumers Protection Informs You : Nine in Ten Consumers Face Online Manipulation
A global survey by the OECD has revealed that 90% of consumers have encountered manipulative online tactics—commonly known as “dark commercial patterns”. These deceptive practices, including hidden charges, countdown timers, and tricky subscription mechanisms, are increasingly prevalent across digital platforms and frequently result in unwanted purchases or compromises to personal data. The findings were drawn from over 35,000 respondents in 20 countries.
This Declaration commits governments to ensuring fair treatment for all consumers, particularly those most at risk, such as children, the elderly, and individuals with limited digital engagement. It also encourages businesses to adopt transparent and ethical practices. A key priority is updating the OECD Recommendation on Consumer Protection in E-commerce to reflect the rapidly evolving landscape of digital risks.
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The Economic Stakes and the Role of Consumer Policy
As consumers contribute approximately 60% to the GDP in OECD member states, ensuring their protection is central to economic stability and fairness. OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann emphasized the importance of protecting people from deceptive and unsafe commercial practices, fostering informed choices, and promoting fair competition based on value, innovation, and product quality.
A New Global Platform for Collaboration
To further these efforts, the OECD has introduced the Global Forum on Consumer Policy. This initiative brings together a diverse network of stakeholders—including policymakers, researchers, civil society, and industry leaders—to collaborate on issues such as consumer behavior, digital trends, and policy innovation.
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Sustainability, Safety, and the Road Ahead for Consumer Rights
The forum also explored ways to support consumers in making environmentally responsible choices, while addressing emerging safety concerns—most notably, the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries. With reported safety incidents on the rise and global market projections soaring to USD 307.8 billion by 2032, the OECD and its partners are launching an awareness campaign focused on the safe use of these batteries.
As the digital and green transitions accelerate, the OECD’s renewed commitments mark a critical step toward safeguarding consumer rights, promoting market fairness, and fostering trust in an increasingly digital economy.
Source : The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development ( OECD )
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