Republic of Korea: Implemented Act amending Consumer Protection in Electronic Commerce (E-Commerce Act)

On 14 February 2025, the Act amending Consumer Protection in Electronic Commerce (E-Commerce Act/Act No. 20302) entered into force. The amendments aim to improve transparency, consumer safety, and fair trading practices in e-commerce. The amendments establish obligations for providers, including obtaining consumer consent for changes in subscription fees or service conversions and prohibiting certain practices in the operation of online interfaces, such as hiding full costs, offering unsolicited options, creating misleading visual distinctions, complicating cancellation procedures, and interfering with free choice through persistent pop-up prompts. The amendments also empower the Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) to seek public information and issue guidelines for business operators. In addition, the amendment outlines corrective measures and specifies that fines of up to KRW 5 million can be imposed for failure to comply with consumer consent and notification requirements and for committing prohibited acts.