Imagine a world where a consumer’s fate is left to the whims and caprices of businesses. Abusive business practices would have been the order of the day. Thankfully, business practices are checked by certain laws that protect the rights of the consumers they service. These laws ensure good product and service quality, consumer safety, and also control the information consumers are exposed to.

The world observes the World Consumer Rights Day (WCRD) every March 15, as part of the effort to ensure that consumers know their basic rights and that these rights are respected and protected. While there is growing awareness about the issue of consumer rights; market abuses and social injustices still occur and need to be curtailed.

This year’s theme: ‘Building a Digital World Consumers can Trust,’ couldn’t have been chosen at a better time, considering the impact the ever improving digital technology has had on consumers and businesses alike. The internet allows consumers a wider range of information and product choices, while increasing the reach of businesses. While there are enormous benefits that can be attributed to advances in digital technology in the area of business, the risk of exploitation has also increased.

All existing businesses and fledgling startups, need to pay special attention to the needs of consumers. This has been made easier by the advances in digital technology which allows companies to get feedback and attend to complaints from customers all over the world in real time. The emerging and increasing phenomenon of information theft shows the need for businesses to invest in proper cyber security solutions that will ensure the safety of vital customer information, an important aspect of consumer protection. Finally ensuring that the rights of consumers are respected and protected, paying attention to the evolving needs of consumers more often than not, inspires innovative solutions and in the long run will improve businesses and increase profit.

Therefore, this year the WCRD is focusing on creating a better digital world with better and wider internet connectivity, improved quality of services, and most importantly an online world that protects consumers and is thus deserving of consumers’ trust.

Young people around deserve a better digital world where their rights as consumers come first. Let’s protect the world’s future by protecting the rights of consumers. #BetterDigitalWorld.