Those operating and running a business via a website need to ensure their websites comply with the law.  Failure to do so can have not only legal consequences but may also damage a company’s reputation. 

   

On 17th July 2008, EU Consumer Commissioner Meglena Kuneva announced the results of an EU investigation into websites offering mobile phone services such as ring-tones and wallpapers. The enquiry which looked at 500 websites across the EU as well as Norway and Iceland found that 80% of the sites needed to be further investigated as they were suspected of breaching EU consumer rules.

   

In Ireland, a total of 18 websites were investigated and of these, 17 are the subject of further investigation with 14 being identified as cross border cases. A cross border case is a case that involves the National Consumer Agency having to work with other consumer agencies in Europe to carry out their investigation.

 

The above investigation highlights the importance that companies operating on-line must comply with the law because consumer agencies are extremely vigilant and are not afraid to take action where warranted.