tag: consumer protection

The Hungarian Competition Authority Is Stepping Up Enforcement: Influencers in FocusThe recent case involving Coca-Cola and influencer Whisper Ton has attracted significant media attention, resulting in a HUF 5 million fine for the soft drinks manufacturer, while the influencer received a warning. This makes one thing clear: the regulation and enforcement of influencer marketing remains a long-term focus of the Hungarian Competition Authority (GVH), regardless of the size of an influencer’s followers or the business under investigation.

2026 is the year of consumers. At the beginning of the year, the legal category of consumers was expanded, and as a result, in certain matters SMEs also gained a stronger legal position vis-à-vis sellers. In September and December, further tightening of greenwashing regulations and easier enforceability of product liability claims are expected. However, the “headline” rule of the year is the one entering into force in two weeks: operators of web shops must ensure that consumers can withdraw from contracts online.

In 2024, consumer protection authority placed a strong focus on examining online stores. According to a recent announcement by the Minister of National Economy, such inspections are expected to increase further in the coming year. Additionally, 2025 will see the establishment of a consumer protection super authority, with the primary goal of safeguarding consumers in the digital space. For online store operators, it is crucial to prepare for the key practices and shortcomings that attract regulatory scrutiny.

Who hasn’t queued at the in-store customer service desk to have their warranty stamped? Who hasn’t spent hours figuring out which brand service centre to take a faulty product to? And there are many more, similar nuisances we could add. However, changes in the warranty regulations are set to put an end to these from next year. But what’s good for consumers represents a major additional burden for vendors.