Covers various aspects of consumer transactions, including the sale of goods and services, digital content, unfair contract terms, and remedies for faulty goods.
Definition
Excerpt
An Act to amend the law relating to the rights of consumers and protection of their interests; to make provision about investigatory powers for enforcing the regulation of traders; to make provision about private actions in competition law and the Competition Appeal Tribunal; and for connected purposes.
Related cases
Viagogo was held liable for failing to provide actual ticket prices, misleading customers about ticket availability, and imposing unfair deadlines for claiming refunds under their guarantee.
CMA held Microsoft liable for unclear upfront terms, difficulty in turning off auto-renewal, and customers unknowingly paying for unused services in their auto-renewing Xbox Live Gold and Game Pass memberships.
CMA found Expedia's practices potentially misleading to customers, including undisclosed fees, presenting some properties as discounted without indicating the real price, and better placement in search results for accommodations paying a specific fee.
Related deceptive patterns
The user is pressured into completing an action because they are presented with a fake time limitation.
The user is pressured into completing an action because they are presented with a fake indication of limited supply or popularity.
The user is misled into believing a product is more popular or credible than it really is, because they were shown fake reviews, testimonials, or activity messages.
The user is enticed with a low advertised price. After investing time and effort, they discover unexpected fees and charges when they reach the checkout.
The user is unknowingly enrolled in a recurring subscription or payment plan without clear disclosure or their explicit consent.
The user finds it easy to sign up or subscribe, but when they want to cancel they find it very hard.
The user wants to do something, but they are required to do something else undesirable in return.
The user is drawn into a transaction on false pretences, because pertinent information is hidden or delayed from being presented to them.