Republic of Korea: Implemented Act amending Consumer Protection in Electronic Commerce (E-Commerce Act/Bill no. 2120122/Act no.19255)

On 22 March 2024, the Act amending Consumer Protection in Electronic Commerce (E-Commerce Act/Bill no. 2120122/Act no.19255) entered into force. The Act broadens competencies for certain institutions. Previously, the Fair Trade Commission was the only authority to establish a fair trade order for e-commerce and mail-order to prevent consumer damage. Under the Act, the city governor, the mayor, and the ward mayor may also use electronic methods to search for public information disclosed in the information network by businesses. The affected businesses shall not refuse or interfere with the search for information by the aforementioned actors. Furthermore, businesses are required to comply with requests to share data with the Fair Trade Commission, the city governor, the mayor, and the ward mayor.