In 2023, more than ever, the digital sector is at the heart of the DGCCRF's concerns.
75% of the French population now consume on the Internet, a particularly marked trend among 12-17 year-olds.
Against this backdrop, the DGCCRF (Direction générale de la concurrence, de la consommation et de la répression des fraudes) has decided to step up its surveillance of the digital sector.
These challenges are an opportunity to review their practices and ensure a safe and fair online environment for consumers.
Fighting the abuses of dropshipping
Dropshipping, an online sales method where the seller is solely responsible for marketing and selling the product, often leaves much to be desired when it comes to transparency.
A number of sellers fail to provide adequate pre-contractual information, and problems of product unavailability or non-delivery are frequent, which may constitute commercial practices punishable under consumer law.
In 2022, the DGCCRF inspected 217 dropshipping sites and found that over 54% did not comply with current regulations, hence the renewal of this survey for 2023.
For sites involved in dropshipping, I can help you ensure that your practices are transparent and respectful of consumers and regulations.
Combating unfair influencer practices
Influencers are increasingly present in digital commerce, and their actions can have a considerable impact on consumers.
However, some do not fully adhere to the rules of the Consumer Code.
The DGCCRF targeted and controlled more than 60 influencers in 2022, highlighting anomalies in their practices, including failure to disclose the commercial nature of their publications and the promotion of risky products or services.
As a digital lawyer, I can work with you to ensure that your influencer marketing practices are ethical and compliant with regulations.
I invite you to read about the latest news on the framing of influencer practices in my attached article: see HERE
Sanction deceptive practices on sites monetizing administrative procedures
The dematerialization of administrative procedures has opened the door to commercial sites offering to help with these procedures for a fee.
Unfortunately, some of these sites resort to deceptive practices, misleading users into mistaking them for official sites.
In 2022, the DGCCRF inspected 32 of these sites, and 41% of them did not comply with regulations.
Avoid imbalances between platforms and the professionals who use them
The relationship between online marketplaces and the professionals who use them to sell their products can sometimes be unbalanced.
PtoB Regulation (EU) No. 2019/1150, which came into force in July 2020, aims to promote fairness and transparency in these relationships.
In 2022, the DGCCRF investigated several marketplaces and found breaches of the rules, leading to corrective procedures.
If you are a digital platform in contact with professionals, I can work with you as adigital lawyer to review your documents to ensure legal compliance.
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Regulating the digital sector is more than ever a priority in 2023.
Digital players have the opportunity to play an active role in this regulation by implementing fair and respectful practices.
I'm here to help you with this process.
Together, we can build a safer and fairer digital environment for all.
