A year since the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) gained new direct enforcement powers, a lot has happened. The CMA has opened investigations into 14 businesses across a range of sectors across the economy – with online being a common thread.
Looking ahead, the CMA has signalled focus on price transparency, fake reviews, consumer contract terms, subscription services and the use of AI in customer-facing operations. If your business operates online, these issues are particularly relevant to you.
The impact of the CMA’s first tranche of consumer law investigations is now being felt. This month, the AA and BSM driving schools, both owned by the AA – were ordered to pay more than £760,000 in refunds to customers, with the AA fined £4.2 million for drip pricing.
The risks of non-compliance are significant – the CMA can impose fines of up to 10% of your turnover.
Support for businesses is at hand
The CMA is committed to helping fair-dealing businesses get this right, and is actively supporting compliance through guidance, events and direct engagement.
Free Event, 20 May, Manchester, 3 – 5.30pm
Join Weightmans and the CMA for a practical, expert-led session on the UK’s evolving consumer protection regime.
Hayley Fletcher, CMA Senior Director of Consumer Protection, will open with an overview of progress to date and what’s coming next. She’ll then join a panel discussion chaired by Angela Gregson, Competition Law Partner at Weightmans.
Panellists will include: Professor Keeley Crockett a leading AI ethics researcher at Manchester Metropolitan University; Michael Yurko, Senior Research Officer at the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) presenting new research into customer online shopping behaviours; and Emma Collins, Principal Associate in Weightmans commercial team, with expertise in advising on consumer law, commercial contracts, data protection, IP and advertising regulation.
Secure your spot – sign up here: Consumer protection and enforcement: what businesses need to know - Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) - Citizen Space
