Enhancing Clarity in Online Transactions: Major Credit Card Companies Introduce Transparency Measures for Online Subscriptions
Recent findings from the CPC Network have brought to light worrisome practices regarding recurring subscription payments in the European Union (EU). These practices have led many customers to unwittingly sign up for unwanted subscriptions, thanks to deceptive techniques employed by online businesses (for more information, click here). It was discovered that 10% of EU consumers have fallen victim to such unwanted subscriptions in the past. In response, the European Commission, in collaboration with the CPC Network, worked with major card schemes like Mastercard, VISA, and American Express to introduce new rules that promote clarity and informed decision-making for consumers.
Ranking of search results: Do’s and Don’ts for Online Businesses under EU law
Online platforms have become the go-to destinations for individuals seeking information, products, and services. In this context, search result rankings have become an essential feature, enabling users to easily search for products or compare different options. Think of it as a virtual personal shopper, always at your service, showing results that are (supposedly) tailored to your preferences.
Navigating the EU ODR Platform: Essential Obligations for Online Businesses
As an online business operating within the European Union (EU), it is crucial to be aware of the legal obligations and mechanisms in place to ensure consumer protection and dispute resolution. The European Online Dispute Resolution (EU-ODR) platform is a vital component of this framework. In this article, we will explore the EU-ODR platform and the key obligations, providing valuable insights for online businesses in the EU.
EU Commission publishes the first list of very large platforms to fall under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA) stricter regime
The European Commission has confirmed 19 online platforms and search engines identified as ‘very large online platforms’ (VLOPs) and ‘very large online search engines’ (VLOSEs) for the purposes of the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA). Such companies must comply with the most stringent rules of the DSA.
Checklist for getting your e-commerce business terms and conditions right
Terms and conditions (T&Cs) are the terms of the legal contract between your business and your customers for the supply of goods or services that sets out the rights and obligations of both parties. This contract governs the relationship with your clients and is essential when starting your online business.
Gift Cards Are Like Cash – But Customers Have a Right of Withdrawal
Gift cards are popular with consumers for many reasons. They are easy, last-minute gifts that let the recipient choose something they want. But imagine the following scenario: you order a gift card for your niece at her favourite store. You brag to your sister about it only to find out that the store was last year’s news. She’s moved on to the latest influencer-inspired trend. To be the cool Aunt, you want to return the gift card, so you can buy her one at her new favourite store. As you bought the card online in the EU, you have 14 days to change your mind. So, what do you need to know as a business about the right of withdrawal for gift cards?
EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA): the upcoming obligation to publish number of active recipients in the EU
The EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA) came into force on 16 November 2022. In our previous article on the topic, we introduced some of the key requirements of this new legislation affecting online service providers in the EU. While most of the DSA’s obligations will only start to apply from 17 February 2024, specific transparency obligations will already come into effect from 2023. In this article, we look at this upcoming DSA deadline and outline what it means for online businesses in the EU.
Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) rules: what is expected from e-commerce platforms?
One of the key provisions introduced by PSD2 was a set of security requirements for electronic payment processing, which includes the so-called “strong customer authentication” (SCA). SCA rules have a significant impact on the lives of online businesses and consumers.
What you need to know about the EU’s Proposed General Product Safety Regulation
When the current EU General Product Safety Directive was defined in 2001, e-commerce platforms were just emerging in the European Union (EU). Internet e-commerce was in its infancy, worth around €172 billion, of which 87% was B2B.