Consumer empowerment in the digital economy
The German government has committed to using their presidency of the G20 in 2017 to address the issue of consumer empowerment in the digital economy. Consumers International, the international federation of consumer organisations, and its German Member organisation (VZBV) are leading partners in the initiative.
One of the key activities that the German government is funding is a piece of research and polling that will form a major input into the G20 discussions. This research will be instrumental in helping shape the focus and approach of the G20 initiative.
The research will consist of two parts:
– An indicator study that highlights the key areas where governments can take action to support consumers in the digital age. This will be based on desk research and interviews with CI members and other stakeholders.
– International polling in six G20 countries to understand consumers’ perspectives on issues of consumer empowerment and protection (the proposed countries are Argentina, China, Germany, France, South Africa and the United States).
September 9th, 2016 at 8:17 am
It sounds important, but I’m not really sure what “consumer empowerment in the digital age” means. Is it about access to technology? Or protection of privacy? Perhaps you could give us some concrete examples? Thanks!
September 9th, 2016 at 10:32 am
Good question, Nadine. I don’t know what what the research and the discussion will cover but it should certainly embrace both of the issues you mention.
As regards to the technology, it is not simply a matter of access but the skills and confidence to use new and changing technologies.
As regards privacy, it is understanding the trade offs between things like providing personal information and receiving personalised information or offers and how to make different trade offs