During the week from 2025-01-27 to 2025-02-02, the Service Juridique received a total of 19 consultations through various communication channels, including phone, Mastodon, Messenger, video call, and Reddit. The consultations addressed multiple issues, ranging from right to repair to failure to provide mandatory information.
In five instances, consumers reached out to seek advice regarding their right to repair. In these cases, the consumers were informed about their rights to request repairs from manufacturers and the conditions under which they could do so, such as the existence of warranties and the legal obligations of manufacturers within the EU.
There were four consultations concerning food supplements, where consumers queried about misleading claims and potential health risks. The advice provided focused on verifying claims with evidence and reporting any misleading advertisements to the relevant health authorities.
The topic of travelers’ rights emerged in six consultations, split between train travel (three cases) and air travel (three cases). Consumers were advised on compensation entitlements for delays and cancellations, and the appropriate process to lodge complaints with transport companies.
In four cases, issues related to unfair practice due to exerting pressure on consumers were discussed. Consumers were guided on how to recognize such practices and the steps to take to file a formal complaint against businesses employing these tactics.
On two occasions, inquiries relating to GDPR were addressed, focusing on consumer rights regarding data privacy breaches. Consumers were advised on how to request data deletion or report GDPR violations effectively.
Lastly, there were two consultations about failure to provide mandatory information when purchasing online. Consumers were informed about the legal requirements for merchants to disclose essential information and how to proceed if this information is withheld.
Overall, the consultations were comprehensive, addressing a wide range of consumer issues, with each case approached individually to ensure consumers received accurate and pertinent guidance.
This week counseling was provided by WhizzBang Viadrina.
