As expected earlier this week, the European Union's Consumer Commissioner, Meglena Kuneva has today announced the results of an EU-wide investigation into websites offering mobile phone services such as ring-tones and wallpapers. The enquiry, which was carried out on more than 500 websites across the 27 Member States along with Norway and Iceland, found that 80% of the sites checked need to be further investigated for suspected breaches of EU consumer rules. Many of the websites target children and young people.
Problems found included: unclear price information where prices are incomplete did not include taxes or customers are unaware that they are signing up to a subscription. Large numbers of websites do not provide some of the required contact information about the trader. Other problems relate to misleading information where key information is hidden in very small print or hard to find on a website or the word "free" is used to mislead consumers into a long-term contracts.
Ring-tones alone were estimated to make up 29% of the overall "mobile content" market in Europe in 2007 (about 10% higher than 2006). The value of European ring-tone sales in 2007 was estimated at €691 million.
Just seven countries (Norway, Finland, Sweden, Latvia, Iceland, Romania, Greece) have agreed to publish the names of the websites which they found to have irregularities. The list of websites which will be investigated is on the EU website.
"This EU wide action is a direct response to hundreds of complaints from consumers that have come into national authorities. Far too many people are falling victim to costly surprises from mysterious charges, fees and ring-tone subscriptions they learn about for the first time when they see their mobile phone bill. There will be Europe wide enforcement action to track down each of these traders. But we need to get a clear message out particularly to teenagers and children - be on your guard! It's all about the small print! There are many reputable traders out there, but to be safe buying these services, check the fine print every time and make sure you are not signing up for more than you bargained for."
The Sweep
The mobile services Sweep took place between 2-6 June. Enforcement authorities across Europe checked mobile service websites for suspected violations of EU consumer law - Unfair Commercial Practices Directive, the Distance Selling Directive and the E-commerce Directive.
The Sweep focused on 3 types of practices in the mobile services sector which compromise consumer rights (unclear information about the offer's price, trader information, misleading advertising).
Many websites indicated multiple irregularities. The figures are as follows:
What happens next?
Companies will be contacted by the national authorities and asked to clarify or correct problems identified. Failure to do so can result in legal action leading to fines or closure of their websites. For cross border cases, national authorities will work with colleagues from other EU authorities. Authorities are asked to report back on their progress in the first half of 2009.
Posted to the site on 17th July 2008
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