Commissioner Byrne welcomes adoption of OECD guidelines for consumer protection in e-commerce
David Byrne, Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection, welcomed the adoption by the OECD of the Recommendation on Guidelines for Consumer Protection in Electronic Commerce. The fundamental principle behind the Recommendation is that consumers should have the same level of protection in electronic commerce as they enjoy in off-line transactions. The OECD guidelines closely reflect the EU consumer protection regulations and principles, and Commissioner Byrne congratulated the OECD and its Consumer Policy Committee on their success in defining internationally accepted consumer protection standards. He said: 'These guidelines are a milestone in advancing consumer confidence in electronic commerce. Consumers need to be assured that their expectations and rights will be met and respected in the online world. These guidelines will provide a useful tool for enhancing consumer confidence in the e-commerce market'. The guidelines address areas of concern for consumers in the online market, including fair business, advertising and marketing practices, online disclosures about the business, goods and services of offer, terms and conditions of a contract, payments and dispute resolution and redress. On each of these issues practical guidance is given on what measures or steps should be taken to enhance consumer confidence and safeguard consumer rights.