This investigation targets the misleading promotion of cosmetics, dietary supplements, “slimming” programs or online betting.
More than half (60%) of influencerstargetedsince 2021 by the Repression of fraud have not complied with regulations on advertising and consumer rights, and several proceedings have been opened against them, according to a press release on Monday. The investigation by the Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Prevention (DGCCRF) has “target» more than sixty agencies and influencers active in the promotion of cosmetics, food supplements, programs «slimmingor in online trading and betting services.
“All of the anomalous influencers did not comply with the rules relating to the transparency of the commercial nature of their publications“, detailed in a press release the direction attached to the Ministry of Economy and Finance. She reproached about thirty of them for havingdeceived consumers about the properties of the products sold» or to have «promoted risky products or servicesin the field of sports betting. “In the most serious cases, some influencers have carried out unauthorized promotional operations, such as the use of the professional training account (CPF) to recover cash or gifts (…) or that of injections to aesthetic aim by beauticians and non-health professionalsadded the administration.
“Misleading business practices”
It also targets certain practitioners of “dropshipping», a commercial concept where the customer places an order on the website of a seller who does not have any stock. In this system, the seller is only a simple intermediary who obtains supplies from a wholesaler, and who can increase his margin as he wishes. Bercy’s services indicate that they have initiated several procedures against them. The conflict that erupted last year between Magali Berdah, boss of the powerful influencer agency Shauna Events, and rapper Booba shed light on the abuses of product promotion on social networks and the risks, particularly for consumers. younger. The justice has opened an investigation for “misleading business practicesagainst this agency on September 6, which was entrusted to the police station in Antibes, the city where the company is registered.
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Wishing to better regulate the practices of influencers, the Ministry of the Economy initiated a series of meetings in December with around fifty players in the sector and launched a public consultation, open until January 31. Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire will report on these contributions and any decisions by March 2023.
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