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Evaluation of the law to better protect the consumers against cost traps in electronic commerce - button solution
Project
Project code: 2813HS010
Contract period: 30.08.2013
- 24.07.2014
Purpose of research: Inventory & Assessment
During the last years, numerous consumers have become victims of cost- and subscription traps in electronic commerce. The German lawmakers have reacted to this by adopting the Law for better consumer protection against cost traps in electronic commerce, which came into effect on August 1st 2012. In the context of this evaluation, resulting consequences of the new law are analyzed from a legal point of view and under special consideration of the practical implementation. To this end, four evaluation aspects, i.e. the degree of goal achievement, resulting costs, arising side effects and overall acceptance, are assessed in the scope of four evaluation steps: (1) scientific legal review, (2) four empirical studies concerning the practical implementation, (3) comprehensive data analysis and (4) legal assessment and recommendations for further actions. The evaluation has the following results: Overall, the amended law has a positive effect and reached the intended goals. Yet, at the same time, companies remain insecure about the concrete implementation of the new law. Also, consumers express a need for more information about the law and their resulting rights. The implementation costs with regard to money and time remain manageable. Side effects exist, but can be classified as moderate. Although the new law has had noticeable positive consequence, its acceptance among companies remains low. It hence follows that from a substantive legal standpoint there is currently no need for further actions to be taken by the German Federal Government. Yet, in order to increase legal certainty, sector specific concretization through self-regulation could be developed. Furthermore, law enforcement mechanisms as well as consumer information activities could be improved and extended.
Section overview
Subjects
- Agroeconomics
