Misleading ringtone offers are European problem

Inaccurate, incomplete and/or misleading offers for SMS services on children's and young people's websites are not just a problem in the Netherlands, but can also be found everywhere else in Europe. This is the conclusion of joint investigation conducted at the beginning of June by consumer supervisory bodies from all 27 Member States of the European Union, including the Consumer Authority in the Netherlands. The results of this 'internet sweep' are being released today by the European commissioner for Consumer affairs, Mrs. Meglena Kuneva.

In total, around 500 websites were monitored, of which 80% have been considered for more detailed investigation due to possible violations, such as inaccurate and incomplete information regarding the price and/or provider, and misleading advertising. For example, services deemed to be 'free', when in reality you have to take out a subscription. The consumer enforcement bodies from the various countries involved will address those behind these offers and take action accordingly. Where providers are active in various countries or operate across borders, joint efforts will be made to deal with them.

The Consumer Authority in the Netherlands looked at the 35 most popular children's and young people's websites, which feature banners offering ring tones. On 20 of these 35 websites, the Consumer Authority came across links to SMS providers. All of these websites have been considered for more detailed investigation due to reports of numerous possible violations. The Consumer Authority can impose a fine on the provider where a violation has occurred, and a complaint can be submitted to the Dutch Advertising Code Foundation [Stichting Reclame Code].

Only last year did the Consumer Authority conduct research into information from ringtone providers on children's and young person's websites. This was due to the large number of complaints about misleading ringtone offers received by a 'hotline' set up especially to deal with SMS services. In 2007, the Consumer Authority came across banners featuring inaccurate or incomplete information about ringtones on 22 of the 140 websites it looked at. It is for this reason that the Consumer Authority has given this matter high priority on its Agenda for 2008. The Consumer Authority is currently carrying out investigations into several providers of SMS services.