look news india
The government has stepped up efforts to curb e-commerce and fake reviews of services that influence consumers. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs has proposed a Quality Control Order (QCO). So that the authenticity of such reviews can be confirmed. Prominent among the provisions of the proposed QCO is the ban on disseminating consumer reviews collected through online platforms with discrimination and bias. Additionally, the proposal prevents companies from editing reviews by tampering with the original message to customers. Along with this, companies will also have to ensure that the original content and purpose of the reviewer is preserved. Companies cannot prevent buyers from leaving negative reviews. These provisions will encourage e-commerce companies to address legitimate customer complaints instead of suppressing negative feedback. All e-commerce companies must compulsorily follow QC rules. Also, if companies do not follow these rules, action will be taken against them as per the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act and Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). It is noteworthy that QCO comes under the purview of BIS. Also, if the rules are violated, the products can also be removed from the portal.
Major provisions of QC
Verify authenticity of review
Prohibition on disclosing consumer reviews collected through online platforms with discrimination and bias
Companies cannot edit reviews by tampering with the original messages from customers
Companies must also ensure that the original content and intent of the reviewer is preserved
Companies cannot prevent buyers from leaving negative reviews.