German drugstore boss Raoul Roßmann has called for greater punishment of Chinese cheap platform Ago for disregarding the law. In an interview with Handelsblatt, Roßmann expressed concern over leniency towards questionable digital business models in Germany and urged authorities to shut down platforms that do not follow the rules. Meanwhile, France is introducing fines and advertising bans for similar platforms.
Consumer Protection State Secretary Christiane Rohleder emphasized the need for enforcing regulations, particularly those banning manipulative design on online platforms. The controversy surrounding Ago and similar platforms highlights the urgent need for stricter enforcement of laws and regulations in the digital marketplace. Consumer advocates are considering legal action against these platforms, which have been accused by the federal government and the Federal Association of Consumer Organizations of misleading consumers with discounts, reviews, and designs. Despite their claims that their sellers are traditional manufacturers who use recommended prices based on those in physical stores, consumer advocates argue that these practices violate consumer protection laws. The issue remains a contentious one, but it is clear that greater scrutiny and regulation are needed to protect consumers from unfair practices in the digital marketplace.
