S’pore introducing new e-commerce standards to boost protection for consumers, merchants

Singapore is introducing new e-commerce standards to enhance protection for both consumers and merchants, as online scams continue to rise.

- Benjamin Lim Correspondent

Speaking at the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore's 20th anniversary dinner on Sept 25, Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong said that current national guidelines will be reinforced to meet the new market demands brought about by technological developments.

(GIN TAY)

The new standards will guide businesses on how they can address customers’ concerns such as fake reviews and misleading headlines and product descriptions, among other things.

They will also guide e-marketplaces and e-retailers on how to engage with merchants fairly and transparently, and the appropriate use of automated tools and artificial intelligence on their platforms.

Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong unveiled the measures at the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore’s (CCS) 20th anniversary dinner, held at the Grand Hyatt Singapore on Sept 25.

The competition watchdog, previously known as CCCS, announced its rebranding at the event.

It is a government body established in 2005 under the Ministry of Trade and Industry to ensure fair competition and strengthen Singapore’s competitiveness.

On the new e-commerce standards, DPM Gan, who is also the Minister for Trade and Industry, said that current national guidelines will be reinforced to meet the new market demands brought about by technological developments.