HOW EACH COUNTRY IS CREATING A FAIRER DIGITAL MARKETPLACE

The rising of technology and e-commerce has change the way people shop not just in our country but also globally. According to a survey by comScore, an analytics firm and UPS, it was reported that consumers are now purchasing more goods over the internet than going to the physical stores. Furthermore, from 5000 consumers involved in the survey, shoppers made 47% of their purchases over the internet back in 2014 while in 2015, the percentage has increased up to 51%. This however, does not come without its fair share of challenges for consumers. Such issues occur when consumers make their purchases through social media sites run by smaller companies or individuals who do not provide adequate security features or secure payment methods. 

So, it is a must that digital marketplaces should offer a fair and secure shopping environment where customers shall obtain a compensation without causing too much burden and expenses should things go wrong during the transaction made. The recent World Consumer Rights Day 2018 aimed to provide a fair and secure internet access for all in combating fraud and scams as well as better consumer protection online. 135 members from more than 90 countries are now participating in this move and FOMCA is one of them. Many countries are coming up with numerous actions to maximize the use of technology at the same time protecting the consumers in a new market that go beyond physical borders. 

The United States of America plays a part in providing a fair consumer regime while taking care of the trader and industrialist with the help of media. In the United Kingdom, consumers are given guidance and protection, thanks to the magazine, WHICH. Furthermore, the Department of Trade and Industry aids in safeguarding and protecting consumers by providing quality goods at a reasonable price. In addition, customers residing in EU countries are protected by EU regulations.  Meanwhile in Asia, Singapore and Hong Kong are a step ahead where consumers are educated from the airport onwards. 

Based on these various implementations, we see that it is time for us global citizen to learn the significance of observing and enforcing consumer rights. It is time for us to minimize or prevent such things be it frauds or scams so that we can create a fairer marketplace for each and every one of us. Since we have plenty social media sites available just at the end of our fingertips, we can spend some of our time for a good cause. As an individual, you are welcomed to call for fairer digital marketplaces by using the hashtag #BetterDigitalWorld. It’s now or never, ladies and gentlemen!