Topics

A selection of topics relating to consumer policy that the Federation of German Consumer Organisations (Verbraucherzentrale Bundesverband – vzbv) works on.

Digital and media

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Data

Discussions are taking place at both national and European level on how to foster the availability of data.

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Platforms

The economic dependence of consumers and business users on large digital gatekeeper platforms has increased. It is time to update the rules for platforms.

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Competition in digital markets

Big Tech companies control access to online platforms and digital ecosystems by impeding competitors and restricting consumers’ freedom of choice.

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Data protection

The protection of personal data thus forms an essential cornerstone for people’s autonomy and self-determination in our society.

ePrivacy Regulation

Many consumers use internet telephony and messenger services every day to stay in touch with friends and family. Web surfing is also part of everyday life.

Artificial Intelligence & algorithmic systems

Algorithmic systems have an increasing impact on decisions about consumers, for example via scoring procedures in the financial sector.

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IT security

Consumers’ data and IT systems are increasingly faced with online threats. Examples include identity and data theft or attempts of digital blackmailing.

Energy transition

The energy transition will only succeed if the interests of consumers are better taken into account.

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Payment accounts

Having a current account is a prerequisite for being able to participate in economic life.

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Food contact materials

Plasticisers in drinking bottles or formaldehyde in coffee cups – when it comes to food, consumers are exposed to countless harmful subsubstances.

Genetic engineering in agriculture

The majority of consumers do not want genetic engineering to play any part in food, in plant cultivation, or where livestock is kept.

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Official food controls and food safety

Food scandals regularly hit the headlines in Germany. Nevertheless, the total number of food inspections has stagnated at a low level in recent years.

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Product safety

The rules on product safety in the EU date back to 2001. Since products and markets have changed in the meantime, the rules require an urgent update.

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Product liability

vzbv calls for a fundamental reform of product liability law. To protect consumers, the provisions must be adapted to the requirements of the digital world.

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Market Monitoring

Through the use of market monitoring vzbv scrutinises digital markets, the the energy sector and financial markets from the consumer perspective.

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Market Monitoring Digital

Online purchases, smartphone apps, price comparison tools – the daily life of a consumer has long been largely digitalised.

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Market Monitoring Finance

Life insurance policies, current accounts, building loan contracts – financial planning is life planning. Consumers use many different financial services.

Ein verbraucherfreundlicher Neustart der Energiewende ist nötig

Market Monitoring Energy

Unsollicited energy supply contracts for electricity and gas continue to be a frequent consumer problem, as are unsolicited marketing calls.

Passenger rights

Reliability and punctuality are the key quality factors for consumers when it comes to mobility.

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Greenwashing

The lack of regulation in terms of sustainability and green claims opens the door for greenwashing. vzbv thus calls for stricter regulations for green claims.

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Due diligence in global supply chains

The majority of consumers wants to consume more sustainably. For most of them this is very difficult because sustainable products are still the exception.

Resource-efficient products

Many products, especially electric devices, do not last as long as they used to, which is an annoyance for consumers.

Sustainable consumption

Those who want to consume sustainably have a hard time: there is a lack of sustainable products, transparency and information.