Camera Advances Against Online Scams: New Rules for E-commerce

The House of Representatives has taken an important step in combating e-commerce fraud by approving a replacement for Bill 3451/25. The new proposal aims to impose stricter security standards for online shopping platforms, with the aim of protecting consumers against scams and fake pages.

Main Measures and Objectives

The project, reported by Congressman Ossesio Silva (Republicans-PE), details the responsibilities of digital companies, focusing on transparency and the prevention of cybercrime.The main objective is to reduce the vulnerability of consumers in the digital environment, with the Government acting to reduce the occurrence of fraud.

• Clear Identification of Companies: Obligation to display the business name, CNPJ, physical address and contact channels.
• Security and Transparency Policies: Platforms should implement information security policies and present consumer rights, such as contractual terms and return deadlines, clearly before the purchase is finalized.
• Platform Responsibility: The liability of the platforms for damages will be applied in cases of omission after notification of authorities or when there is direct control over payments and deliveries.

Modifications and Exceptions

The replacement brought significant changes from the original project. Obligations that fell on banks and the creation of a national verification system of virtual stores were removed. Social networks that act only as ad exhibitors will not be framed as e-commerce, but should cooperate with the authorities.

The obligations imposed by the project are proportional to the size of the company, seeking to preserve the health of small businesses. The sanctions for infringing companies will include punishments provided for in the Consumer Protection Code, as well as civil and criminal sanctions.

Next Steps

The bill will now proceed to analysis in the Consumer Protection, Finance and Taxation, and Constitution and Justice committees.If approved in these instances conclusively, the text may proceed to a vote in the Senate.

Global GWI Study, Jun 2024

• Chamber approves bill against fraud in online purchases, Brasilia Journal.