Consumer law | UK Regulatory Outlook October 2022

CMA calls for information on green heating consumer protection

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), being concerned about the possibility of poor practices in advertising green heating and insulation sectors, has launched a call to explore the consumer experiences and business practices in this area.

As many people choose greener forms of heating and make efforts to insulate their homes, the regulator will look at how businesses offering these services comply with consumer protection law and whether consumers are treated fairly. In particular, how consumers are affected by potential poor practices such as misleading claims about likely cost savings, product performance and suitability.

The responses are welcomed by 1 November 2022.

Council of the EU approves Digital Services Act

On 4 October 2022, the Council of the EU gave final approval to the Digital Services Act (DSA).

The DSA protects users in online environment against illegal content and outlines responsibility and accountability for service providers such as social media, online marketplaces, very large online platforms and very large online search engines. Under the DSA platforms are not only required to be more transparent, but can also be held accountable for their role in spreading illegal and harmful content. The measures include requirements for service providers to react quickly to illegal content, stronger protection for minors online, restrictions on the use of the sensitive personal data, and ban misleading practices such as dark patterns.

The DSA was signed by the representatives of the Council of the EU and the European Parliament on 19 October 2022 and it will then be published in the Official Journal of the European Union. The DSA will be directly applicable across the EU and will apply fifteen months or from 1 January 2024, whichever comes later, after entry into force.

Ofcom urges telecoms firms to provide better support to struggling customers 

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DCMS publishes government response to its report on influencer culture

Please see Advertising and marketing >