The new European rules on digital content and the sale of goods online came into force on 1 January 2022 (see EUROPE 12155/12).
These two proposals, adopted by the Commission in December 2015, are intended to harmonise the rules on contracts for the supply of digital content and contracts for the sale of goods online in the EU.
“EU consumers will now have the same rights in case of problems or defects with digital content, digital services, or smart products as they have with any other goods, wherever they bought those goods and services from in the EU”, commented the Commissioner for Justice, Didier Reynders.
The new rules on online digital content will ensure that consumers are protected when digital content such as downloaded music or software and digital services are faulty. A tariff reduction, refund or termination of the contract may be requested.
Similarly, the directive on goods purchased online should ensure that the level of consumer protection is equivalent to that in physical shops. All types of property are affected.
The majority of Member States have already transposed the new rules into national law. On the other hand, several infringement procedures against some latecomers are already underway. (Original version in French by Thomas Mangin)