Australia: Closed ACCC investigation into Dreamscape Networks International for Alleged Misleading Advertising

On 8 January 2024, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) closed its investigation against Dreamscape Networks International Pte Ltd, a web hosting business operating the Crazydomains.com.au website. The company was accused of making false or misleading representations about two “free” products and the benefits of its Domain Privacy product. The “free” products were automatically added to customers’ shopping carts but had an auto-renewal feature that charged fees after the free period ended, and the functionality of one of them was also misrepresented. Dreamscape paid penalties totalling AUD 56’340, and the case was closed following the payment. The company has since updated its disclosure around the auto-renewal and cost of its products, as well as the uses of its privacy products.