Competition Bureau to lead International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network for 2020-2021

Canada’s Competition Bureau will act as president of the International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network from July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021.

The Bureau’s mandate includes finding new ways to address misleading and fraudulent marketing practices and building trust among consumers worldwide.

The Bureau intends to focus its efforts on the following areas: exploring global best practices in remotely conducting investigations and safeguarding consumers from deceptive marketing activities arising from the COVID-19 pandemic; researching on how artificial intelligence can be used positively as an investigative tool or negatively as a way for businesses to mislead consumers; considering enforcement challenges, data privacy concerns and third-party responsibility associated with digital platforms; and looking for ways to deal with misleading environmental claims.

To achieve these objectives, the Bureau says it will cooperate with over 60 member nations of the ICPEN, as well as build upon its own research and recent experience in the digital economy with regard to fraud prevention, big data and deceptive marketing relating to privacy.

Canada has worked with the ICPEN since its creation in 1992 and acted as its president for the 1996-1997 term. The ICPEN annually rotates its presidency, with Colombia serving in the role for 2019-2020 and with Portugal slated to succeed Canada for 2021-2022.

“With the economic challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and the incessant expansion of the online marketplace, collaborating with consumer protection and enforcement agencies worldwide has never been more critical,” said Josephine Palumbo deputy commissioner, deceptive marketing practices at the Competition Bureau. “Together, we will identify matters that require cross border enforcement responses and work to protect consumers on a global scale.”