The borderless digital economy: What consumers and businesses need to know

Competition Bureau releases Deceptive Marketing Practices Digest Vol. 3

While the growing digital economy stimulates innovation and benefits Canadians, it is also increasingly challenging for businesses to know how to play by the rules of a global marketplace and to ensure that consumers have the information they need to make informed decisions.

The latest issue of the Deceptive Marketing Practices Digest explores how the Bureau and its international partners are seeking new ways to foster clarity and confidence in a borderless marketplace.

The first two articles describe how enforcement agencies can work “better together” as members of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Committee on Consumer Policy, as well as of the International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network (ICPEN).

The Digest also examines some of the Bureau’s recent enforcement work here at home that has targeted practices that can cause “bill shock” for consumers of some telecommunications services. The article entitled So, You Bought a Ringtone? examines unexpected third party charges, and the one relating to Unlimited Claims looks at promises of “all-you-can-eat” telecom services.

The Digest is published periodically on the Bureau’s website. It provides consumers and businesses with timely information about advertising and marketing from the Bureau’s perspective and promotes a better understanding of the Competition Act and other legislation enforced by the Bureau.