Online Reviews & Endorsements Guidance Issued
The International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network (ICPEN), a network of consumer protection authorities from nearly 60 countries, including the Competition Bureau of Canada, has published three sets of guidelines on online reviews and endorsements for: review administrators, traders and marketing professionals, and digital influencers. The guidelines are timely, as the “digital economy”, particularly online representations that affect consumers, is an enforcement priority for the Competition Bureau. ICPEN Guidelines for Review Administrators The impact of online reviews and endorsements is increasing with the growth of the sharing economy, ICPEN notes. Buyers connect with sellers on platforms, and rely on user reviews because ... [more] Full article
Avis and Budget agree to pay $3m to settle drip pricing case
Car rental companies Aviscar Inc. (Avis) and Budgetcar Inc. (Budget) have agreed to pay a $3 million administrative monetary penalty to settle allegations by the Competition Bureau that they misled consumers ... [more] Full article
Bell to Reimburse Wireless Customers $11.82m
Bell has agreed to reimburse its customers who paid for “premium text messaging” up to $11.82 million. This is the latest and largest settlement reached by the Competition Bureau in its ... [more] Full article
Moose Knuckles “Made in Canada” parkas actually from Vietnam, Competition Bureau says
Moose Knuckles’ claim that its fur-trimmed parkas are “Made in Canada” is deceptive, the Competition Bureau claims in an application filed in the Competition Tribunal. The parkas, which retail for $595 ... [more] Full article