MEP Deirdre tackles online scammers in the digital Wild West
Scammers and hackers are running amok often facilitated by ads bought on the likes of Google, Facebook and Amazon. Many of the products they sell have also been found to be unsafe. The internet has become like the Wild West. So what is the EU doing to police it? Deirdre Clune is our MEP on the EU’s consumer committee whose brief includes the upcoming Digital Services Act (DSA). She tells us about the first new legislation in this area in more than 20 years.
What is happening to stop Big Tech profiting from scams and illegal products by continuing to accept ads from dubious sources?
European consumers need to be protected from and informed of illegal and harmful products and practices that appear on digital platforms and I do think that digital companies have a role here to play in terms of degrees of responsibility and transparency. The existing legislation dates back to 1999 and it is clear that the rules need to be updated to reflect our present degree of digitalisation and new business models.
What’s happening right now with the DSA?
The parliament will be involved throughout the entire legislative process and will consider all views including those of BEUC (European Consumer Organisation). I want to see a harmonised approach ensuring clear obligations for digital service providers including online intermediaries in areas such as consumer protection, illegal content and safety online.
How will the new Digital Services Act put a stop to Big Tech firms profiting from scams and illegal products?
I want to see the new data protection legislation make technology companies more responsible for identifying false and misleading products and services. It is encouraging how the online platforms worked with the EU Commission to help fight disinformation during the current Covid-19 pandemic. The EU has been encouraging them to promote reliable sources, fact-check all content and take down illegal or harmful content.
Does the EU need to be more inclusive and democratic?
It is a criticism of the EU that citizens are not more informed about important European matters. I think they have been responding to that criticism and are improving their communications. MEPs have a role to play in this and also member states. It is in everyone’s interest that their voices are heard and they have an input into the legislative process.
There’s an impression that we can’t make a difference in Europe. How much say does an Irish voter have… and can they make a difference?
Irish voters directly elect their MEPs who have a direct say in the European decision-making process. Ireland has 13 MEPs that sit on various committees within the parliament and we are available to engage with members of the public to listen to their interests or concerns.
Do consumers really have an input into legislation like the Digital Services Act? How?
Yes we can. It is the personal stories and experiences of individuals that shapes legislation. For instance the GDPR legislation was about protecting the consumer against big business despite the fact that many citizens were unaware that this legislation was needed for them to protect their personal data.
Have you ever been personally ripped off as a consumer or treated badly? What did you do?
I bought tickets for a concert from a re-seller for double the price and only realised when I got the ticket that I paid more. At that point it was too late. I have not done it since and I now only buy direct!
Ever fall for an internet scam?
No. I am very cautious online and only use verified websites.
What did your parents teach you about money?
Pay your bills, mind your future and only bet when you can afford to lose it!
Have you ever struggled to make ends meet?
After college working in Dublin in the early 1980s.
What is the most expensive thing you bought for fun?
A holiday weekend in Paris and it was great fun.
What is your biggest money mistake?
Not buying shares in Apple Inc when they opened in Cork.
What is your No.1 financial priority?
Financial security for my children.