Online shoppers face product safety risks

As online shopping becomes increasingly prevalent, the need for stronger consumer protection laws has never been more urgent. Lawyers representing individuals seriously injured by faulty products purchased online are calling for immediate reform to improve access to justice for affected consumers. “Dangerous products capable of causing suffocation, electrocution or serious burns are readily available through online marketplaces. When people are injured, they face a legal minefield because the current law is decades out of date,” said Pauline Roberts, vice president of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL), in anticipation of Injury Awareness Week, which runs from 22-26 June.

Currently, the UK Government is consulting on reforms to the product safety framework, much of which dates back to the 1980s, a time before the explosion of online marketplaces and e-commerce. “There is a worrying lack of accountability for online marketplaces when unsafe products are sold through their platforms,” Pauline stated. “The Government must seize this opportunity to modernise the law and close the gaps that leave injured consumers without effective remedies.”

Victims of defective products, such as exploding e-bike batteries or children's toys with loose parts, often encounter significant hurdles in trying to secure compensation for their treatment, rehabilitation, lost earnings, and other financial damages resulting from their injuries. “Products sold through online marketplaces often involve complex international supply chains and third-party sellers, making it extremely difficult for injured consumers to identify and pursue those responsible for the harm caused,” Pauline explained, emphasising the challenges posed by the current legislative environment.

APIL advocates that online marketplaces should share legal responsibility with manufacturers for the safety of products marketed on their platforms. “Consumers need clear statutory rights that reflect the realities of modern online shopping.” The organisation is also pushing for products to be subject to the laws of the country where they are sold. “Regardless of where a product originates, it should be governed by the laws of the country where the consumer purchases it. A product bought by someone in England or Wales should be subject to the laws where they live. At present, that is not always the case,” Pauline added.

This push for reform is not about stifling innovation or hindering online commerce. “It is about striking the right balance between commercial interests and consumer protection. Profit must never come before people's safety or their right to seek justice when preventable harm occurs.” As discussions progress, the outcome could lead to significant changes that prioritise consumer safety in the rapidly evolving world of online shopping.