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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Market Monitoring Energy

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

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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.

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Resource-efficient products

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

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Sustainable consumption

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