Somebody's Watching: Government Agencies Join To Protect Online Consumers

On March 4, 2022, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through its Consumer Protection Group and e-Commerce Division, issued Joint Administrative Order No. 2022-01 entitled "Guidelines for Online Businesses Reiterating the Laws and Regulations Applicable to Online Businesses and Consumers" (Guidelines for Online Businesses), which took effect on April 8, 2022. It was developed through the joint effort of government agencies, including the NPC. The issuance seeks to safeguard consumers from deceitful, unjust, and oppressive online sales acts and practices, while also promoting the rights of consumers.

The Guidelines for Online Businesses covers all online businesses or those engaged in electronic transactions like e-Commerce platforms, online sellers, merchants, e-marketplaces, and retailers.