Canada to assume presidency of International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network
The International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network (ICPEN) announced that Canada’s Competition Bureau is designated President-Elect of the Network from July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021.
This announcement came during ICPEN’s annual conference, hosted by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission of Zambia, the current ICPEN president. Canada’s presidency begins on July 1, 2020 and will follow the one-year term of Colombia’s Superintendence of Industry and Commerce. Josephine Palumbo, Deputy Commissioner of the Bureau’s Deceptive Marketing Practices Directorate, will act as ICPEN president.
The Bureau’s term will focus on promoting truth in advertising online and building consumer confidence in the digital economy. The Bureau will also draw upon its findings and experiences in fraud prevention, big data, and marketing practices generally in the digital economy to support its role.
The online marketplace continues to expand across borders, presenting unique challenges that can defy traditional enforcement methods. As president, the Bureau will work with all ICPEN members to find new ways to deter fraudulent and deceptive marketing practices and empower consumers worldwide with the tools they need to fight back.