World Consumer Rights Day 2014: m-commerce
- By Eugene Clark
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E-mail China.org.cn, March 19, 2014
China has in recent years taken substantial steps to address the issues that impact Chinese consumers. Examples are amendments to Privacy Laws that offer greater protection to consumers; specific laws that regulate unfair competition practices on the part of providers; requirements of notices given to consumers regarding the use of their personal information and stronger protection given to consumers, for example in relation to the return and repair of goods.
Reforms in China's tort law too have provided a greater protection from defamation and other tortious behavior or practices that may arise from the mobile phone context such as cyber-bulling, harassment, incitement to violence and hate speech vilifying particular groups on the basis of religion, ethnicity, etc.
Consumer protection, especially in the digital environment, is an area that is developing rapidly. A consistent and balanced approach is required if e-commerce and m-commerce are to fulfill their greater potential. For this reason, Chinese regulators, business and consumer groups should also note the developments made in other countries. For example, the EU's recent passage of the Consumer Rights Directive, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Directive, and Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) Regulation, as well as the ongoing strengthening of its privacy laws, all evidence a strong commitment to both protect consumers as well as enhance a level of trust and confidence that will promote a strong growth in the e-commerce and m-commerce sectors.
Additionally, government, business and consumer organization agendas should all feature measures to ensure the effective and responsible use of social media to both inform consumers and point the finger at those bad players who not only harm consumers, but also tarnish the reputation of the overall industry.
Although the focus of this day lies on consumer rights, it is important to note that consumers also have responsibilities when it comes to technology use. For example, mobile phone technology should be used responsibly, the bans on the use of handheld devices while driving being an obvious example of an area that still requires greater enforcement.
As a final point, the issues raised by consumers indicate the growing and continuing importance of balanced and rigorously monitored industry codes which are developed in partnership with consumers and are responsive to their needs as well as conducive to building up consumer trust and confidence.
The author is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit: http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/eugeneclark.htm
Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn
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