Navigating the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA): A Guide for Swiss Companies
The way businesses work and connect with customers has changed a lot in the digital age. To adapt to this changing landscape, the European Union (EU) has introduced the Digital Services Act (DSA), a ground-breaking regulatory framework designed to govern digital platforms and services and established a new set of rules to regulate these service providers.
UK’s Digital Markets, Competition, and Consumers Bill: What Online Businesses Need to Know
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the UK government is taking action to regulate digital markets and change its competition and consumer protection regimes. One example is the proposed Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill (DMCC), which aims to significantly improve consumer protection, enhance the enforcement powers of the UK’s Competition and Market Authority (CMA) and introduce substantial penalties for non-compliance. In this article, we will explore the key objectives of the DMCC and its implications for online businesses.
Essential Guidelines for Businesses: Complying with UK Law for B2C Gift Cards
Gift cards have become a popular option for offering gifts and rewards in the Business-to-Consumers (B2C) domain. As a business operating in the UK, it is crucial to understand the legal rules surrounding gift cards to protect both your customers and your business. In this article, we will outline the key legal rules that gift card providers should be aware of and explain how you can comply with them.
Embracing Transparency: What Other Platforms Can Learn from WhatsApp’s Policy Change Commitments
Social media giant WhatsApp has made a significant commitment to improving transparency and user rights concerning changes to its terms of service. In response to a joint action led by the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC), Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), the Swedish Consumer Agency, and the European Commission (EC), WhatsApp has agreed to implement measures that ensure users are well-informed about the impact of updates to its terms of service. In this article, we will describe WhatsApp’s commitments and the implications for users, as well as highlight how other online companies can learn from these developments.
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.