Singapore updates e-com guidelines to address emerging challenges

Emerging issues like fake product reviews and misleading design features and user interfaces can undermine consumers’ ability to make informed choices and erode consumer trust in the e-commerce space, a release from the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore under Enterprise Singapore of the Ministry of Home Affairs said.

The enhanced guidelines address these concerns by providing guidance on accurately displaying information in product listings. These offer guidance for e-marketplaces and e-retailers on engaging merchants fairly, promoting transparency in their dealings with merchants and providing effective dispute resolution mechanisms.

These also guide industry players on the appropriate use of automated tools and artificial intelligence. In deploying such tools, e-marketplaces and e-retailers should ensure these systems operate transparently and fairly, and consider how to manage any risks appropriately.

The anti-scam guidelines have also been updated to recommend that e-marketplaces and e-retailers conduct due diligence on merchants and verify their identity against government records or with internal business tools; implement measures to protect customers upon detection of fraudulent activity; implement processes to identify suspicious content and accounts; and respond to regulatory requests expeditiously within 24 hours or the stipulated deadline.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (DS)