Cooling-off period for e-shoppers proposed

KEY CHANGES

Consumer Associations

The role of consumer associations and the supervision of consumer rights protection will be boosted to prevent disputes. National and local associations above the provincial level will be able to file class actions in cases where the rights of a large group of consumers are infringed.

Personal information

The draft clarifies the protection of personal information, as leaks seriously affect people's lives and legal rights. Consumers will be entitled to the rights of their names, portraits and privacy. Business owners should obtain the consumers' consent and explicitly explain the purpose, form and scope of information use before collecting and using consumers' personal information.

Commercial fraud

Penalties for commercial fraud should involve fines equivalent to twice the value of goods or services, with a minimum fine set at 500 yuan ($73). Criminal liabilities will be pursued for those whose defective products damage consumers' health or result in death.

Responsibility of advertisers

Those who release deceptive advertisements concerning food, drugs and other goods related to consumers' lives and health are subject to joint liability with manufacturers.