On Wednesday, December 12, the Bundeskartellamt presented the results of its sector inquiry into online comparison websites. The inquiry into a large number of comparison websites from the areas of travel, energy, insurance, telecommunications, and financial services has in some areas confirmed the suspicions of consumer rights violations. The companies concerned will now have the possibility to comment on the consultation paper, which was published Wednesday.
Andreas Mundt, President of the Bundeskartellamt stated: “Online comparison websites are an important tool, provided that they deliver objective and truthful results. A large part of the comparative information is correct and reliable. However, our inquiry has also shown that consumers’ rights could be violated in a number of cases. Consumers are often not informed about the details of the ranking criteria for their search results and the comparison websites’ recommendations, which can be misleading. For example, sometimes important insurers are not included in the comparison. Hotels can buy ranking positions on hotel booking platforms. And in some cases, a comparison website covers less than 50% of the offers available on the market. In short: Consumers cannot always rely on comparison websites to really find the best offer for their requirements.”
The consultation paper presented Wednesday details the outcome of the Bundeskartellamt’s investigations and contains an initial legal assessment. The market players concerned and other interested parties can comment on the paper until February 4, 2019. After assessing the comments the Bundeskartellamt is going to publish a conclusive report on its sector inquiry on comparison websites in 2019.
Full Content: Bundeskartellamt
Want more news? Subscribe to CPI’s free daily newsletter for more headlines and updates on antitrust developments around the world.
Featured News
DOJ and FTC Introduce Website for Reporting Anti-Competitive Healthcare Practices
Apr 18, 2024 by
CPI
US Congress Advances Legislation to Compel TikTok Sale
Apr 18, 2024 by
CPI
UK Financial Sector Advocates Enhanced Regulatory Accountability
Apr 18, 2024 by
CPI
Google and All 50 States Defend $700 Million Consumer Settlement
Apr 18, 2024 by
CPI
Colorado Enacts First Law to Protect Consumer Brainwave Data
Apr 18, 2024 by
CPI
Antitrust Mix by CPI
Antitrust Chronicle® – Economics of Criminal Antitrust
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
Navigating Economic Expert Work in Criminal Antitrust Litigation
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
The Increased Importance of Economics in Cartel Cases
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
A Law and Economics Analysis of the Antitrust Treatment of Physician Collective Price Agreements
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
Information Exchange In Criminal Antitrust Cases: How Economic Testimony Can Tip The Scales
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI