European Commission has signed an agreement with four major e-commerce companies to tackle the listing of dangerous products on Europe’s online shopping sites.
According to the Commission, dangerous products includes items that incite hatred and violence, child abuse, as well as unsafe products and products that infringe copyright laws.
However, AliExpress, Amazon, eBay and Rakuten-France have agreed to remove those product listings within two days after they are notified by authorities.
They also indicated that response to customer’s notifications will be within five days.
With 20 percent of sales in Europe made online in 2016, the Commission indicated that the prevalence of dangerous product listings increased.
Commissioner Vera Jourova, who looks after consumer issues said, “E-commerce has opened up new possibilities for consumers, offering them more choice at lower prices.
Consumers he indicated should be safe when buying online products.
The online retailers also agreed to train sellers to comply with EU safety laws andmake use of the EU’s Rapid Alert System to proactively monitor and prevent unsafe product listings.
By: Clara Doku/techvoiceafrica.com
