Indecopi Presents Digital Consumer Protection Framework at OECD Roundtable

Indecopi recently presented its experience in unfair competition and consumer protection at the OECD’s Roundtable on Competition and Consumer Policy in Digital Markets. The agency showcased its strategies for addressing deceptive advertising, algorithmic pricing, and “dark patterns” to an international cohort of regulators, including representatives from the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Australia.

How Indecopi Tackles Digital Market Challenges

Indecopi’s participation focused on the institution’s efforts to respond to new challenges of digital trade as e-commerce grows. According to the agency, its Commission for the Supervision of Unfair Competition addresses specific digital-age risks that threaten both market transparency and consumer welfare.

The agency highlighted four primary areas of concern currently under its regulatory scope:

• Influencer Marketing: Addressing deceptive advertising practices by influencers.
• Pricing Transparency: Monitoring the use of algorithms designed to manipulate prices.
• Deceptive Sales Tactics: Identifying “dark patterns”—web design elements that induce errors when buying online.
• Fictitious Discounts: Investigating fictitious discounts.

Why International Cooperation Matters for Peru

The OECD invited Indecopi to share these experiences. This collaboration is a strategic component of Peru’s ongoing process to join the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

By aligning its domestic enforcement actions with the “best practices” recognized by the OECD, Indecopi aims to promote markets that are more fair, transparent, and competitive. The agency stated that this international recognition reinforces its role as a technical authority capable of responding to rapid shifts in digital trade.

What This Means for Digital Consumers

For the average user, these regulatory efforts are intended to avoid the duplication of unnecessary procedures. Indecopi’s goal in sharing these findings is to help consumers identify manipulative tactics before a transaction is completed, thereby reducing the need for post-purchase administrative complaints.

The agency’s involvement at the roundtable confirms that its enforcement priorities are aligned with the best practices recognized by the OECD. By coordinating between its various internal departments, Indecopi seeks to provide a faster, more agile response to digital commercial practices that deviate from fair competition principles.