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UK consumer law reforms: DMCC Bill and Price Marking Order to tackle fake reviews, drip pricing and unit pricing; expanded online interface orders; greenwashing ban rejected; private redress deferred

Published on: 12 February 2024

Published by a LexisNexis Commercial expert
Legal News
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Article summary

The consultation focused on five policy areas:

  • presentation of pricing information, hidden fees and drip pricing
  • prohibiting bogus, misleading or deceptive reviews
  • the function and responsibilities of online platforms and their professional diligence duties
  • online interface orders
  • further amendments to the list of commercial practices in all circumstances deemed unfair, and private redress, in the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill (DMCC Bill)

The government has now confirmed that it will be introducing some revisions to the DMCC Bill as it moves forward through the legislative process, although certain issues will be left for additional consideration.

What are the key takeaways from the Government Response for traders selling goods and services to consumers?

The government plans to legislate on fake reviews, drip pricing and unit pricing. Traders should reassess how they request and publish product reviews, and ensure that overall and unit prices, together with any mandatory fees, are clearly communicated. By contrast, the government will not, at this stage, introduce legislation on online choice architecture/dark patterns. It has likewise rejected the suggestion of making misleading environmental claims a ‘banned practice’ (ie one that is automatically unfair)...

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