Digital Regulator: CCPC
The CCPC (Competition and Consumer Protection Commission) is responsible for competition, consumer protection, product safety law and has a new role in digital and data regulation.
Online shopping: CCPC help consumers make informed choices when they shop online, and ensure online marketplaces follow the rules, like collecting trader information before they can sell on their platform. They act when traders mislead or exploit consumers, or when social media influencers do not disclose ads in their social media posts. They also enforce rights for digital purchases like streaming services.
Product safety: CCPC are responsible for the safety of non-food consumer products, such as toys, baby equipment and low voltage electrical appliances, including goods bought online. They let consumers know about illegal or unsafe products through their database of product recalls and on their social media channels.
Encouraging Data Sharing and Fair Online Platforms: CCPC monitor fair, voluntary data sharing between businesses. Additionally, the CCPC promotes a predictable and fair environment for traders using online platforms to sell goods or services to consumers. They engage with the European Commission when needed on investigations related to large platforms like social media companies. They will be responsible for ensuring users can access and share data from connected products like smart-home devices.
CCPC helpline channels
CCPC’s helpline channels help consumers understand their rights and they use it as intelligence for their enforcement and advocacy teams. Some examples of complaints they receive include:
- I bought a product online that caught fire when I plugged it in. What should I do?
- I bought a television online and they won’t let me return it. They say it’s not broken so they don’t have to. What are my rights?
- I wanted to cancel my online subscription but it was renewed automatically. What can I do?
- I saw an influencer post talking about a makeup product which I bought. It was only later I realised that she owns the company and I felt misled as I thought it was a genuine review. What can I do?
- I bought something from a marketplace but I don’t know who the trader is and the product page has no details online. How can I find out who to contact?
For more information, see their website Consumer Rights & Personal Finance: www.ccpc.ie/consumers.