The Role Of Consumer Protection Agencies In Different Countries

Saloni Gupta, Amity University

1. Introduction

A. Background information on consumer protection agencies

Consumer protection agencies are governmental or non-governmental organizations that aim to safeguard the rights and interests of consumers in various markets. They play a crucial role in ensuring fair practices, promoting consumer education, and enforcing regulations to prevent fraud, deception, and other unfair practices by businesses. Here's some background information on consumer protection agencies:

Governmental Agencies: Many countries have government-run agencies specifically tasked with consumer protection. These agencies are usually established by legislation and have the authority to investigate complaints, enforce laws, and impose penalties on businesses found to engage in deceptive or unfair practices. Examples include:

United States: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is the primary federal agency responsible for consumer protection, overseeing issues such as false advertising, identity theft, and privacy violations.

European Union: The European Consumer Centre Network (ECC-Net) provides assistance and advice to consumers across EU member states on cross-border issues such as online shopping, travel, and disputes with businesses.

India: The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 established the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) to promote, protect, and enforce the rights of consumers. It has the power to investigate violations, issue penalties, and recall unsafe products.