Australia: Released stabilised text of the Agreement on Electronic Commerce including measures on online consumer protection

On 26 July 2024On 26 July 2024, the Co-Convenors of the Initiative on E-commerce, Australia, Japan and Singapore, announced that the parties agreed on the stabilised text of the Agreement on Electronic Commerce. The Agreement includes measures aimed at enhancing online consumer protection. Specifically, it includes measures to address and prohibit misleading, fraudulent, and deceptive commercial activities, requirements for fair and honest dealings by suppliers, and the promotion of consumer safety in electronic commerce. Additionally, the Agreement addresses the issue of unsolicited commercial electronic messages by establishing consent requirements and promoting transparency. Under the Agreement, the parties commit to cooperation between their consumer protection agencies and the facilitation of consumer redress mechanisms, ensuring a high level of protection for consumers engaged in electronic commerce. The statement is circulated on behalf of the Joint Statement Initiative participants, excluding Brazil, Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Indonesia, Paraguay, the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu, Türkiye, and the United States.