The problem of consumers' rights being restricted in reviewing products and services through online platforms

Abstract

                   Online shopping has become increasingly popular in today's society, significantly impacting Thailand's economy and people's daily lives. However, several issues have emerged from this trend, particularly concerning product reviews. Consumers often cannot accurately assess the nature, quality, or price of products, and there is uncertainty as to whether product reviews are based on genuine user experience or paid endorsements aimed at generating profit. This has led to a lack of clear legal definitions and criteria for identifying and regulating product reviews. Currently, there is no specific law that defines the responsibilities of product reviewers, and consumers' rights to express opinions through reviews can be restricted by the deletion or disabling of review functions. Furthermore, there is an absence of legal penalties or protections that safeguard consumers from misleading or false reviews, resulting in unfair treatment and potential damage.

                    This study aims to examine the legal shortcomings in Thailand regarding online product reviews, focusing on the lack of clear standards, guidelines, and fair consumer protection measures. There remains a legal gap concerning penalties and the definition of actions that violate consumer rights in the context of online reviews. Consumers may suffer harm from deceptive reviews if such issues are not properly addressed.

                    The author proposes that Thailand should enact additional legal provisions to clearly define the rights and duties of product reviewers, impose penalties for dishonest or unfair reviews, and require disclosure of reviewer identities prior to posting. Such measures would help protect consumers and promote transparency and fairness in online commerce. The author also recommends that state authorities be empowered to take immediate action against violators, drawing on legal frameworks from countries like the United States and Australia. Specifically, amendments should be made to the Consumer Protection Act B.E. 2522 (1979), including clarification in Section 3 on definitions and the addition of Section 22/1 to establish penalties related to online product reviews, in order to enhance consumer protection and ensure transparency in the online marketplace.