Competition Bureau looks at three types of online claims that consumers encounter every day

News release

March 4, 2020 – GATINEAU, QC – Competition Bureau

Today, the Bureau published The Deceptive Marketing Practices Digest – Volume 5. First in the series for this new decade, Volume 5 focuses on three marketing issues that impact consumers and businesses in the online marketplace:

the collection of consumer data in exchange for “free” online products and services;
unsubstantiated weight loss claims; and
the advertising of unattainable prices in the car rental market.

With its Digest series, the Bureau provides guidance and advice to help protect consumers and businesses from misleading marketing practices so they can reap the full benefits and efficiencies of today’s digital economy. The Digest series also clarifies how the Bureau enforces the Competition Act along with other legislation.

The swift rise of digital economic activity has driven innovation and economic growth, offering Canadians new products and services to meet their needs. Canada's digital economy is at a critical juncture, and it needs consumer trust to keep on growing. As stated in its 2019-2020 Annual Plan, the Bureau is focusing on investigating and raising awareness of deceptive marketing and anti-competitive practices, so that Canadians can enjoy greater trust in the online marketplace.

Quotes

“Trust is the foundation of a thriving economy. Our job is to help build that trust, as it allows consumers to make confident choices and businesses to compete and innovate freely. That’s why misleading price claims and dishonest information about data privacy will continue to rank high on our list of concerns.”

-Josephine Palumbo, Deputy Commissioner,
Deceptive Marketing Practices Directorate, Competition Bureau

Quick facts

The Bureau publishes the Digest periodically on its website. The Bureau selects topics for each volume in accordance with a variety of factors, such as market trends, complaints filed by consumers and businesses, globally recognized marketing issues, recent investigations and more.
The Bureau is committed to providing consumers and businesses with helpful and timely information that will allow them to make informed decisions.

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Contacts

For media enquiries, please contact:
Media Relations
Telephone: 819-994-5945
Email: media-cb-bc@cb-bc.gc.ca

For general enquiries, please contact:
Information Centre
Competition Bureau
Telephone: 819-997-4282
Toll free: 1-800-348-5358
TTY (hearing impaired): 1-800-694-8389
www.competitionbureau.gc.ca
Enquiries | Complaints

The Competition Bureau, as an independent law enforcement agency, ensures that Canadian businesses and consumers prosper in a competitive and innovative marketplace.

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Date modified:: 2020-03-04