Deceptive commercial tactics are impacting 90 percent of global consumers, sparking a warning from the OECD.
A new survey from the intergovernmental economic organisation found nine out of 10 consumers had been affected by “dark commercial patterns”.
OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann said these were manipulative online design tactics such as countdown timers, hidden fees and subscription traps that influenced consumer behaviour and often led to unintended purchases or privacy compromises.
Secretary-General Cormann said these deceptive practices were widespread on websites and apps, posing significant risks to consumers worldwide.
He said the findings were part of an OECD survey of more than 35,000 respondents across 20 countries, which informed a declaration this week at a meeting of government Ministers, committing to further protecting and empowering consumers in the digital and green transitions.
“With consumer spending accounting for about 60 percent of GDP in OECD countries on average, consumer policies have an important role to play in contributing to well-functioning, open and competitive markets.”
Secretary-General Cormann said policies were needed to protect consumers from dark commercial patterns, including deceptive, unfair and fraudulent commercial practices and unsafe products.
He said they could foster informed consumer decisions and trust and ensure a level playing field for businesses, by ensuring fair competition based on quality, price and innovation.
“(The) Ministerial Meeting has discussed how policymakers can ensure consumer policies help people navigate these new digital and green products, services and options, by adapting to new technology-related risks, by continuing to prioritise consumer safety, and by ensuring consumer policies are well-co-ordinated with other relevant areas, such as competition, digital and environmental policies.”
Secretary-General Cormann said the OECD had also launched the Global Forum on Consumer Policy to bring together policymakers, academics, civil society, businesses and experts in an inclusive network to collaborate on consumer issues, behavioural economics, technological trends and emerging consumer policy research.
He said participants also addressed ways to protect and empower consumers making sustainable consumption decisions and tackle new consumer product safety risks.
“A part of the discussion was the safe and responsible use of lithium-ion batteries.
“With a growing number of safety incidents involving these batteries, the OECD and its members are launching an awareness campaign on their safe and responsible use,” he said.
Learn more about the OECD Consumer Policy Ministerial Meeting
