Every year on March 15th, the world celebrates World Consumer Rights Day. This day serves as a reminder of the rights and protections consumers deserve in the marketplace. Here at Matern Law Group, we understand the importance of empowered consumers, effective consumer protection laws, and the promotion of fair and ethical business practices.
What is World Consumer Rights Day?
Established in 1983 by Consumers International, World Consumer Rights Day raises global awareness about consumer rights and needs. It’s a day to celebrate progress and advocate for continued advancements. This year’s theme, “Fair and Responsible AI for Consumers,” highlights the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in our lives and the need for responsible development and deployment of this technology.
Why is World Consumer Rights Day important in 2024?
Consumers are the driving force of the global economy, but remain vulnerable as AI’s growth outpaces existing consumer protection laws. AI is increasingly used in areas like online shopping, credit scoring, and even legal research. These advancements can be beneficial, but are not without risk. Consumers often lack transparent insight into how AI algorithms work, making it difficult to understand how decisions are made. Consequently, AI algorithms can perpetuate existing biases—leading to discriminatory outcomes for consumers. Additionally, AI poses a significant threats to intellectual property and personal privacy, given the collection and analysis of biometric and other consumer data.
For these reasons, World Consumer Rights Day calls us to raise awareness, advocate for consumers rights, and strengthen consumer protection laws that safeguard consumers from unfair practices like misleading advertising, hidden fees, and faulty products.
Consumers should not blindly accept decisions made by AI algorithms. If you are denied a loan or receive a higher insurance rate, for example, consumers should demand an explanation; it could be due to bias in the AI. Understanding your data privacy rights is also crucial. Many consumers are unaware of the extent to which their data is collected and analyzed by AI systems. Finally, consumers should report bias or unfair treatment they experience or suspect to help ensure that the AI is developed and used responsibly.
Matern Law Group stands up for consumer rights
At Matern Law Group, we believe that all consumers deserve fair treatment in the marketplace. We are committed to helping consumers understand their rights and holding businesses accountable for unfair practices.
This World Consumer Rights Day, let’s celebrate the progress made in consumer protection and advocate for a future where AI technology is used responsibly and ethically with the best interests of consumers in mind.
Do you suspect you’ve been a victim of unfair business practices or biased AI decisions? Contact Matern Law Group today for a free consultation. We can help you understand your rights and explore legal options.