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ARTICLE · 22 OCTOBER 2012

ACCC Focus on Website terms and conditions

Holding Redlich
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The ACCC targets online traders who use confusing or misleading website terms to avoid their obligations to consumers.

AustraliaConsumer Protection
Michael Grosser
Michael Grosser
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HR Update: ACCC internet sweep targets online traders

In brief

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has joined the International Consumer Protection Enforcement Network (ICPEN) and has recently undertaken an information gathering sweep of the internet, targeted at online traders who may use confusing or misleading website terms to avoid their obligations to consumers.

How it affects you

The ACCC sweep focussed on consumers' rights to have faulty products or substandard services repaired, replaced or refunded. The ACCC targeted how online traders represent consumers' rights in their terms of use and service and/or supply terms, in particular relating to repair, replacement or refund rights under the Australian Consumer Law. ACCC has indicated its intention to crack down on website terms which may confuse or mislead consumers into believing that any relevant rights do not apply.

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