The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has ruled that EU law permits member states to prohibit certain online gambling services offered from other EU countries. This decision stems from a case involving Malta-licensed companies providing services in Germany, where such online games were illegal. The court affirmed that while freedom to provide services applies to online gambling, it can be restricted for public interest reasons like consumer protection. Consequently, national courts can declare contracts violating these prohibitions void and order the repayment of lost stakes.
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New Democratic Party Leader Avi Lewis has called on the federal government to ban algorithmic pricing, a practice where retailers use AI and data to set different prices for consumers. Lewis described this “surveillance pricing” as “downright creepy” and a “rip-off,” alleging that Big Tech and retailers are collaborating to exploit Canadians. The NDP plans to introduce a parliamentary motion to prohibit this dynamic pricing, a move echoed by the United Food and Commercial Workers Union. Recent polling indicates that a majority of Canadians believe algorithmic pricing is unfair and should be banned or more strictly regulated, with concerns also raised by the Competition Bureau and consumer advocacy groups regarding its potential impact on pricing.
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As the retail landscape evolves, grocery stores are now implementing digital price tags, or DSLs, to replace traditional paper labels. This technology, adopted by retailers like Walmart and Kroger, promises increased efficiency by reducing the time spent on pricing and allowing for quick updates to reflect online prices or promotions. While proponents highlight benefits like freeing up staff to assist customers and ensuring accurate pricing, some lawmakers express concern that DSLs could enable surge pricing, leading to legislation aimed at preventing such practices and protecting consumers.
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Adobe has agreed to pay a substantial $75 million to resolve a lawsuit brought against them in the United States. This settlement addresses allegations that the company engaged in deceptive practices concerning its subscription fees and the cancellation of those subscriptions. The lawsuit, which has now been settled, centered on claims that Adobe made it unnecessarily difficult for consumers to end their subscriptions and failed to be upfront about the associated cancellation fees. This situation highlights a broader frustration many consumers feel with subscription-based services and the often opaque nature of their terms and conditions.
The core of the legal challenge revolved around Adobe’s subscription model and its cancellation policies.… Continue reading
Despite unprecedented wealth and income inequality, the three wealthiest Americans have gained over $625 billion since Election Day, while the working class struggles. Wall Street firms now manage trillions, wielding significant influence over financial markets and consumer costs. In this context, proposed credit card interest rate caps aim to curb predatory lending practices that trap Americans in debt, offering a chance for substantial savings for working families.
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Amazon must face price gouging lawsuit, US judge rules, and it’s hard not to be cynical about it all, isn’t it? The news itself, that a US judge has ruled Amazon must face a price-gouging lawsuit, is positive, in a way. It means the legal system is, at least, acknowledging the potential for wrongdoing. But the immediate reaction, from many, seems to be a resigned shrug, a weary anticipation of a minimal payout years down the line. I completely get that.
Amazon must face price gouging lawsuit, US judge rules, and the consumer complaints are pretty damning. We’re talking about alleged “flagrantly unlawful” prices for everyday essentials – food, toilet paper, even face masks – with some price increases exceeding a thousand percent.… Continue reading
Based on recent reports, consumer shopping habits are evolving, with a growing emphasis on online purchases and mobile commerce. Increased demand has been observed in specific product categories, including home goods, electronics, and health and wellness items. This shift is likely driven by factors such as convenience, competitive pricing, and changing consumer preferences. The Shopping Trends team may receive commissions from purchases made through their links, ensuring transparency in their recommendations.
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French consumer protection authorities have reported Shein to authorities for allegedly selling childlike sex dolls on its website. The DGCCRF cited the online descriptions and categorization of the dolls as potentially constituting child pornography. In response, Shein removed the products and initiated an investigation into how the listings bypassed its screening measures. The company is also reviewing its marketplace to remove any similar items sold by third-party vendors.
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Amazon has agreed to a historic $2.5 billion settlement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) due to claims of tricking customers into Prime subscriptions and hindering cancellation. The settlement includes a record $1 billion civil penalty and $1.5 billion in refunds for affected Prime customers who were either unintentionally enrolled or faced difficulties in canceling. The FTC alleged that Amazon violated the Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act, making it difficult for consumers to understand and manage their subscriptions, a process internally referred to as “Iliad”. The FTC began its investigation in 2021, eventually leading to the lawsuit and settlement, which occurred before a separate antitrust case was filed against the company.
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The Trump administration has reversed a Biden-era plan mandating airlines compensate passengers for flight delays and cancellations, up to $775, due to issues within the companies’ control. The Department of Transportation is withdrawing the proposal, citing alignment with administration priorities. Airlines for America, a trade group, expressed encouragement, while an agency spokesperson stated they would reconsider requirements exceeding congressional mandates. This decision comes amidst a broader deregulatory push by the Trump administration, reversing numerous consumer protections.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood