Consumers of Online Digital Content Need New Legal, Privacy Protections, OECD Says
Governments and companies should implement data privacy, legal and other protections for online consumers of digital content, taking into account today's rapidly evolving technologies, according to new guidance from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.
Internet companies have quickly built up their businesses by offering consumers innovative digital services and products like e-books and streaming films and music, among other things, but those offerings, often sold cross-border, have also spurred a host of new challenges for consumers, companies and policy makers. Released Oct. 27, the OECD “Consumer Policy Guidance on Intangible Digital Content Products” cites complaints and surveys of consumers, about problems encountered when acquiring and using intangible digital content products, such as inadequate information disclosure, “misleading or unfair” commercial practices, and concerns about collection, usage and sharing of their personal data. Consumers also complained about inadequate dispute resolution and redress mechanisms, and concerns about unauthorized charges associated with consumer usage of apps and online games.