Consumer Protection Research Articles

Exploring herbal medicine regulation in Nigeria: Balancing traditional practices with modern standards

The regulation of herbal medicine in Nigeria stands at the intersection of tradition and modernity, presenting a complex landscape shaped by historical practices, cultural beliefs, and contemporary healthcare standards. This paper delves into the intricate dynamics surrounding the regulation of herbal medicine in Nigeria, aiming to elucidate the challenges and opportunities inherent in balancing traditional practices with modern regulatory standards. Drawing from a multidisciplinary approach encompassing medical anthropology, public health, and legal studies, this research explores the historical roots of herbal medicine in Nigeria, tracing its evolution from indigenous healing practices to its current status within the broader healthcare system. It examines the cultural significance of traditional medicine, considering its role in local communities and its enduring relevance in addressing healthcare needs, particularly in underserved rural areas. However, alongside the rich tapestry of traditional healing, concerns regarding safety, efficacy, and standardization have prompted calls for regulatory reforms to align herbal medicine practices with modern healthcare standards. This paper scrutinizes the existing regulatory frameworks governing herbal medicine in Nigeria, analyzing the strengths, weaknesses, and gaps therein. It explores the tension between preserving traditional knowledge and ensuring consumer protection, highlighting the need for a nuanced approach that respects cultural heritage while safeguarding public health. Furthermore, this research assesses the implications of regulatory interventions on various stakeholders, including herbal practitioners, consumers, and policymakers. It considers strategies for enhancing collaboration between traditional healers and the formal healthcare sector, fostering mutual respect, and promoting evidence-based practices. Ultimately, this study underscores the imperative of striking a delicate balance between tradition and modernity in regulating herbal medicine in Nigeria, advocating for a harmonized approach that upholds both cultural integrity and healthcare quality.

OUT-OF-COURT RESOLUTION OF CONSUMER DISPUTES UNDER THE EUROPEAN UNION LAW

The subject of the article is an analysis of out-of-court methods of resolving consumer disputes in European Union law. They constitute a procedural guarantee of the implementation of consumers’ right to a high level of protection, guaranteed in Art. 38 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. The article describes Directive 2013/11/EU on alternative dispute resolution for consumer disputes. The principles of its implementation in European Union countries are also presented. Also addressed by the analysis is the latest proposal to amend the ADR Directive presented by the European Commission. According to the author, Directive 2013/11/EU has fulfilled its role as the foundation of the consumer rights protection system in the European Union. However, with the development of services on the internet, consumers are exposed to new threats. The proposal to modify the ADR Directive presented by the European Commission is a step aimed at increasing the level of consumer protection.

The Extent of the Effectiveness of Consumer Protection Associations' Role in the Iraqi Consumer Protection Law No. 1 of 2010

The Extent of the Effectiveness of Consumer Protection Associations' Role in the Iraqi Consumer Protection Law No. 1 of 2010

The Role of Self-Contained Consumer Protection Services (LPKSM) in Providing Protection to Consumers on The Circulation of Hazardous Drugs

The acute kidney injury cases that occurred recently highlight the urgency of consumer protection issues in Indonesia. The Consumer Protection Law in Indonesia is a preventive effort by the government to provide legal certainty for consumers. LPKSM is mandated by the Consumer Protection Law to provide legal protection to consumers. This research aims to examine the extent of the role of LPKSM in providing protection to consumers. The research method used in this research is normative juridical research. The approach used is a statute approach and a legal concept analysis approach. The technique of collecting legal materials by conducting document studies related to the problems studied and also primary, secondary and tertiary legal materials, then interpreting and reviewing related laws and regulations. Based on the results of the research that has been conducted, consumer protection is an issue that should receive attention from all parties, including the government, society, and business actors. LPKSM is a non-profit institution that, undoubtedly, requires operational costs, which often become a hindering factor in fulfilling its mandate according to the Consumer Protection Law. The government's role is crucial in this regard, specifically in providing financial support to LPKSM to fulfill its duties effectively. In addition to monitoring the circulation of goods and/or services in the market, LPKSM also provides consumer education and has the authority to file lawsuits against businesses that harm consumers.

CONCEPTUALIZING FINTECH'S IMPACT ON BANKING: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE USA AND NIGERIA

This paper presents a comprehensive review of the impact of Financial Technology (FinTech) on the banking sectors in the United States (USA) and Nigeria, offering a comparative analysis to understand the differential effects and integration strategies of FinTech across these two distinct economic contexts. Through an extensive literature review, the paper synthesizes findings from previous studies, reports, and industry analyses to outline the key dimensions of FinTech's influence on banking, including operational efficiencies, customer service innovations, regulatory challenges, and the broader implications for financial inclusion.
 In the USA, the paper highlights how FinTech has driven significant advancements in banking through technological innovation, regulatory support, and a strong emphasis on customer-centric services, leading to enhanced operational efficiencies and competitive market dynamics. Conversely, the analysis of the Nigerian banking sector reveals a burgeoning FinTech landscape that, despite facing infrastructural and regulatory hurdles, has made notable strides in promoting financial inclusion and democratizing access to financial services.
 The comparative study underscores the critical role of regulatory frameworks, technological infrastructure, and market maturity in shaping the impact and adoption of FinTech solutions. It concludes that while FinTech presents transformative potential for the banking industry globally, its effective integration and sustainable growth are highly dependent on tailored strategies that consider the unique socio-economic and regulatory environments of each country. The paper calls for a collaborative approach among policymakers, financial institutions, and FinTech companies to foster environments that support innovation while ensuring financial stability and consumer protection. By drawing lessons from the comparative analysis of the USA and Nigeria, the study offers valuable insights for other countries navigating the complexities of FinTech integration into their banking sectors.
 Keywords: FinTech, Banking Sector, USA, Nigeria, Evolution, Impact, Comparative Analysis, Future Trends, Policy Recommendations, Financial Inclusion, Innovation, Regulation, Cybersecurity, Digital Divide, Collaboration, Financial Literacy, Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Biometric Authentication, Internet of Things, Quantum Computing, Central Bank Digital Currencies.

DIGITAL BANKING AND FINANCIAL INCLUSION: A REVIEW OF PRACTICES IN THE USA AND NIGERIA

This paper examines the role of digital banking in advancing financial inclusion in the United States and Nigeria, aiming to identify and compare practices and outcomes in these two distinct economic contexts. Through a comprehensive review of existing literature and analysis of case studies, the study explores how digital banking platforms and services have been implemented and their impact on underserved populations. The research methodology includes a comparative analysis of secondary data, policy documents, and interviews with key stakeholders in the banking sector of both countries.
 Key findings reveal that digital banking has significantly contributed to financial inclusion by providing accessible, affordable, and convenient financial services. In the USA, technological advancements and a robust regulatory framework have fostered a competitive digital banking environment, leading to innovative solutions for reducing barriers to financial access. Conversely, in Nigeria, despite facing infrastructural and regulatory challenges, mobile banking and digital payment services have seen rapid growth, driven by the necessity to reach unbanked populations in remote areas.
 The paper concludes that while both countries have made strides in leveraging digital banking for financial inclusion, the success and scale of implementation vary due to differences in economic development, regulatory environments, and technological infrastructure. It suggests that cross-country learning and adaptation of best practices could further enhance the effectiveness of digital banking in promoting financial inclusion globally. This study contributes to the understanding of digital banking's potential in bridging the financial inclusion gap and offers recommendations for policymakers and financial institutions in both developed and developing countries.
 Keywords: Digital Banking, Financial Inclusion, Regulatory Frameworks, Policy Initiatives, Mobile Money, Digital Payment Systems, Regulatory Sandboxes, National Financial Inclusion Strategies, Consumer Protection, Financial Stability, Cybersecurity, Digital Literacy, Fintech Innovation.

Intelligent Identification of Chinese and Australian Merino Wool Fibers Based on Image Recognition

In order to promote the sustainable growth of the wool industry and protect consumers' legitimate rights, rapid identification of the country of origin for wool of the same type is deemed crucial. This research presents a computer graphic recognition training model that utilizes median and Wiener filtering techniques to effectively reduce noise in the raw wool fiber images. Employing a support vector machine as the classifier and integrating a polynomial kernel function, this model achieves swift and accurate identification of Chinese and Australian Merino wool fibers. Experimental results underscore that following image recognition training, the model attains an impressive 92.5% comprehensive and precise identification rate for Chinese and Australian Merino wool fibers, effectively distinguishing the origin of wool from the same category. This approach not only provides a valuable reference for identifying the origin of similar wool types but also holds the potential to standardizing the wool fibre material market and assuring the consumer’s confidence on wool products.

Determination of sulfonamides in muscle: a metrological tool for food safety

Sulfonamides represent a wide class of synthetic drugs commonly used in veterinary therapy for the treatment of several bacterial and protozoan infections in cattle, swine and poultry. The use of these drugs in farming can lead to the possibility of having their residues in animal products intended for human consumption. Consequently, to ensure high consumer protection, for sulfonamides European Union (EU) set a Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) equal to 100 µg/kg, either as a single molecule or as a sum of all detected compounds within the class). Official laboratories are directly involved in the execution or residue plans by developing, validating and then applying analytical methods for the measurement of drug residues. Accordingly, official laboratories should update their procedures following the evolution of required drugs and MRLs. A multiclass method previously developed and validated for the determination in animal muscle of ten classes of antibiotics was adjusted to comply with the current European requirements which establish the minimum set of sulfonamides to be determined. Therefore, eight new sulfonamides were added assessing method performance characteristics according to European Regulation (EU) 808/2021.

Analysis of Public Policy and Criminal Law in The Perspective of Consumer Protection for Online Loan Users in Indonesia

The development of online loan services or pinjol in Indonesia raises new problems in consumer protection. Many cases of fraud and misuse of customer personal data are very concerning. The government has not had specific regulations regarding online loans. The existing regulations are merely appeals and suggestions for fintech pinjol to conduct business responsibly. In fact, stricter regulatory and enforcement steps are needed to address the increasing violations that harm consumers. This study aims to analyze public policies and criminal law in the perspective of protecting pinjol consumers in Indonesia. This research uses a normative legal approach with statute and conceptual approaches. The results are expected to provide recommendations for more effective legal protection for online lending consumers in Indonesia, as well as enriching academic literature on fintech and digital consumer protection. The conclusion is that firmer public policy and criminal law provisions are needed to protect consumer rights in using online loan services which currently have weak legal protection.

How to Protect Consumers in the Digital Era: An Example of the Online Choice Architecture

The ongoing process of digitalisation has brought a number of new challenges to the existing regulatory frameworks for consumer protection. One of these major challenges is the phenomenon of the online choice architecture, which is used to push consumers to make specific economic decisions while acting as participants of the digital market. In the majority of cases, such pressures should not be allowed as they rely on consumers’ vulnerability. This paper examines the phenomenon of online choice architecture and the fact that the existing consumer law framework does not provide adequate legal protection to the consumers from online choice architecture, calling for a consumer law reform that would enable better protection of consumers.

Legal Protection for Consumers Who Use Electronic Wallets (E-Wallets) As a Means of Payment

This research aims to explore and analyze the legal protection of e-wallet applications as a means of payment, as well as factors that influence the use of e-wallets in transactions. The research method used is normative legal research, which relies on the analysis of library materials and secondary data, taking into account the suitability between the theory applied and the relevant legal aspects. The results of this study indicate that to achieve legal protection against e-wallet applications as a means of payment there are two significant things. The first is the legal protection given to customers in cases of data leakage, regulated in Law Number 8 Year 1999 concerning Consumer Protection. Second, the obligations of digital wallet service providers to customers related to financial losses are regulated in Article 7 Letter f of the Consumer Protection Law.

Generic methodology to prevent food contamination by soil born legacy POPs in free range livestock

Government monitoring commonly includes regulating POPs in animal feed and products of animal origin, with many countries setting Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) to ensure safe tolerable concentrations. However, these MRLs do not address the presence of most POP families in soil, where concentrations can be much higher due to the contaminants' strong affinity and persistence in comparison to other environmental matrices. Extensive damage to food and production systems during a pollution incident causing soil contamination by POPs lead to severe economic and social consequences for the affected area. To mitigate these effects, it is crucial to implement necessary measures for consumer protection while also focusing on rehabilitating conditions for food production, tailored to both commercial farms and private holders. In this context, the present work aims to develop and test a methodology for assessing the tolerable concentration of the most cancerogenic legacy POPs in soil for various livestock animals in diverse rearing systems ensuring the safety of food of animal origin. Therefore, we summarize existing knowledge about the risk of POP transfer in different livestock breeding systems via soil exposure, and modeling via a backward calculation from the MRLs the corresponding tolerable quantity of POPs that may be ingested by animals in the considered rearing system. Results of these simulations showed that soil ingestion is a predominant contamination pathway, which is a central factor in the risk assessment of POP exposure on livestock farms, especially in free-range systems. In field conditions of POP exposure, low productive animals may be more susceptible to uptake through soil than high-yielding animals, even if the feed respected MRLs. Results show that PCDD/Fs revealed the lowest security ratio for low productive dairy cows (1.5) compared to high productive ones (52). Laying hens with a productivity of 45% show also as a high sensitivity to POPs exposure via soil ingestion. Indeed, their security ratio for PCDD/Fs, lindane and DDT were 3, 2 and 1, respectively. In perspective, proposed methodology can be adapted for assessing the risk of industrial POPs newly listed in the Stockholm Convention. In practice, it could be useful for food producers to apprehend their own risk of chemical contamination.

Urgensi Perlindungan Hukum terhadap Konsumen Lembaga Pinjaman Online Ilegal di Era Revolusi 4.0

Online lending institution is a product of the 4.0 revolution. Its emergence has had many positive impacts on the economy, but on the other hand it has also raised several problems including misuse of personal data, intimidating collecting, and other problems caused by unlicensed or illegal online lending institutions. This study aims to identify the urgency of legal protection for consumers of illegal online lending institution.The method used in this study is normative juridical method by examining library materials or secondary data. The results showed that there are substance problems in legal protection for consumers of illegal online loan institutions in the era of revolution 4.0 which has implications for the ineffectiveness of existing regulations. Therefore, it is urgent to form new regulations that are able to regulate specifically, firmly, and thoroughly so as to create responsive laws, in order to create comfort and security for consumers of online lending institutions in Indonesia.

Legal Transformation in the Digital Age: A Comparative Study of the Impact of New Regulations in the Digital Economy

<p class="TableParagraph"><em>The research aim is to analyze the impact of new regulations in the digital economy through a comparative study. This research uses the content analysis method to understand how these regulations affect legal structures and business practices. The digital age has brought significant changes to the global economy, triggering the need for regulations that can support innovation while protecting the rights of users. New regulations in the digital economy often relate to data privacy, cybersecurity and intellectual property rights. Through content analysis, this research evaluates how different countries are responding to these challenges through their legal frameworks. The research is also grounded in natural law theory, coined by Hugo Grotius, who argued that laws should reflect universal and unchanging moral principles. The results show that new regulations in the digital economy have a significant impact on legal protection for consumers. This protection effort is carried out through preventive, repressive, protective, solution, and alternative approaches. Dispute resolution through both litigation and non-litigation channels shows that legal protection can be guaranteed by the existence of regulations governing electronic commerce, especially on e-commerce platforms. By applying these principles, this research aims to provide recommendations for the establishment of regulations that are not only effective but also fair and sustainable.</em></p><p class="TableParagraph"><em> </em></p>

Emerging Trends in Fintech: Revolutionizing Financial Services in Commerce

Financial technology (Fintech) is revolutionizing commerce and reshaping the financial services industry through technological advancements, innovative business models, and collaborative ecosystems. This abstract provides an in-depth overview of the impact of Fintech on various aspects of commerce, including traditional banking, wealth management, e-commerce, supply chain finance, regulatory environment, and the role of startups and innovation hubs. Drawing insights from a comprehensive analysis of existing literature and research findings, this abstract explores the transformative potential of Fintech and outlines key implications and future directions for the industry. Evolution of Fintech has been propelled by advancements in technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML). These technologies enable decentralized and transparent transactional capabilities, data-driven insights, and automation, driving efficiency and innovation across the financial services landscape. In particular, the integration of Fintech in traditional banking has led to the rise of digital banking platforms, mobile payment solutions, and peer-to-peer lending networks, challenging traditional banking practices and enhancing customer experiences. Furthermore, automated wealth management platforms and robo-advisors are democratizing access to investment services, offering individualized investment advice, and reshaping wealth management strategies. The integration of Fintech in e-commerce and supply chain finance is enhancing efficiency, transparency, and security in online transactions, benefiting both merchants and consumers. Digital wallets, payment gateways, and blockchain applications are streamlining payment processing and optimizing cash flow across the supply chain ecosystem. While Fintech presents significant opportunities for innovation and growth, it also poses regulatory challenges and considerations. The regulatory environment surrounding Fintech is complex and multifaceted, requiring a balance between promoting innovation and ensuring consumer protection, market integrity, and financial stability. Collaboration between startups, established institutions, and regulatory authorities is essential for navigating regulatory complexities and fostering a conducive environment for Fintech growth. Startups and innovation hubs play a crucial role in driving Fintech innovation and entrepreneurship, providing support infrastructure, mentorship, and access to capital. These stakeholders foster collaboration, experimentation, and knowledge exchange, accelerating industry transformation and driving economic development. Moreover, collaboration between traditional financial institutions and Fintech startups is essential for driving innovation and expanding access to financial services.

Современное состояние отечественных цифровых экосистем как элемента потребительского рынка онлайн-торговли

Ecosystems in Russia are at the stage of development, but already today they set the direction for various segments of the consumer markets they serve. Such enterprises need to take into account not only market competition, but also constantly invest in digital technologies, innovations, monitor trends in consumer sentiment and ensure the security of their customers' data. The scenario for the development of domestic ecosystems is ambiguous, since they affect many industry markets that are not interconnected, and also compete with government digital platforms. The essence and significance of digital ecosystems and digital platforms are investigated, their distinctive features are given, the current situation in the ecosystem subscription market is considered, and the main consumer segments served by subscriptions are identified. The leaders of domestic enterprises functioning as ecosystems, their purpose and market shares are presented, as well as the monetary prospect of the development of the considered segment of the online trading market in the coming years is estimated. Ecosystem activity in Russia is still poorly regulated, which poses risks to the development of competition in consumer markets and to the sustainability of ecosystems. The features of the following areas are considered: data processing, competition, public administration and consumer protection; The risks in these areas are described, as well as the key tasks on the part of the state that it faces in terms of reducing the identified risks.

When it’s cute but also dark: critical analysis of FarmVille 3’s game design in the digital economy

ABSTRACT ‘Cute design’ or ‘cuteness’ is a known design and development trend in the digital economy, with a proven advertising and marketing appeal to both children and adults. However, we postulate that it may also be an effective dark pattern. The following analysis uses the popular online game FarmVille 3 to illustrate the potential dark side of cuteness in digital game design. Through an explorative game analysis, the cute aesthetic can be identified as pervasive and multi-factored. At the same time, the history and economic steer behind the game shows a clear interest in user data ownership and control. Here, we flag cute design as a risk to human autonomy, and therefore a significant regulatory concern. This original conceptualisation of ‘cute but dark’ design is significant in its potential to manipulate the consumer autonomy of both children and adults. Current regulatory frameworks should empower the end user against the manipulate steer of cute but dark design, considering cultural nuances of what might be deemed cute user interfaces, and the vulnerabilities of certain consumer groups. Regulatory development should constitute a more streamlined approach to dark patterns, that enables a thriving digital economy while maintaining rigorous consumer protection.

Economic and legal aspects of consumer rights protection

The article is devoted to the study of the construction "protection of consumer rights as a component of the economic legal order". The sustainable development of our country can be solved in the context of ensuring the rights of consumers, since the development of the economy is not possible without the reliable functioning of the consumer market. Only a protected and confident consumer is able to create conditions for the sustainable development of the enterprise even in adverse conditions of large-scale military aggression. It is the consumer at the microeconomic level who decides on the direction of his money, thereby exerting a kind of economic influence on business entities. Therefore, the protection of consumer rights cannot be reduced only to the restoration of already violated rights, since this does not allow to prevent their repetition.
 It was concluded that the prevention of violations of consumer rights requires the state to implement a preventive approach to prevent and prevent such violations, which is possible within the limits of ensuring compliance with the economic legal order. For this, the state must ensure compliance with the requirements of legitimate economic activity, in particular, the rules on fair competition and prevent the abuse of a monopoly position and other types of distortion of competition, as well as manifestations of unfair competition in areas of economic activity related to the consumer sphere. These tasks can be solved only under the condition of the introduction of the appropriate state economic policy. In order to ensure the interests and rights of consumers, there should be a consolidated influence of state bodies, local self-government bodies, as well as self-regulatory organizations of business and consumers, which will ensure compliance with high standards of conducting business activities that take place in organizational and economic relations. Also, ensuring the observance of consumer rights should be carried out in the organic interconnection of economic-production and intra-economic rela­tions, as this allows for the creation of a system of compliance with the quality standards of goods, works and services sold to consumers.

Impact of Culinary Techniques on Nutritional Profiling: Unraveling the Transformation of Proteins and Vegetables in Cooking

This paper explores the impact of cooking technique and vegetable nutritional components. As a crucial provider of nutrients, food goes through profound changes when cooked, hence its effect on macro- and micronutrients. Protein denaturation, which may lead to the breakdown of the tertiary structure resulted from the effect of heat, acid, alkali, or ultraviolet radiation, is a process that disrupts the original characteristics of proteins. Proteins basically remain more secure than vitamins while cooking, but they risk denaturation after overcooking or exposure to high heat. Although micronutrients like vitamins and minerals needed for growth are stable in their content and behavior, they can change their content and behavior during cooking process as they cannot withstand heat. The paper underlines the multiple impacts of cooking techniques on vegetables by pointing out that some techniques of heat application might result in inferior nutritional quality. Bioactive compounds that are in vegetables undergo changes in the physical attributes, the sensory properties and bioactive content based on the techniques such as boiling, steaming or microwaving. Besides, during food preparation such as washing, peeling and cutting almost everything like flavor, texture or final nutritional values is already determined. The cooking method chosen in a wide range including microwave, pressure cooker, open pan or steaming has a great impact on the nutrient composition. Bacterial contamination in eggs, which is a health safety concern that can cause nutrients losing and even harm consumer health, stresses the need for cooking to preserve nutrients and protect consumers. The modern consumer who cares about the nutritional values and benefits of home cooked meals must be aware of the magnitude of method of cooking on the content of nutrients. Being a fact that more and more consumers after minimally processed and additive free snacks and nutrition information about cooking method is critical. The study concludes by suggesting that additional research is needed so as to develop the guidelines for the best cooking methods that promote nutrient conservation, safety, and palatability. Keywords: Cooking technologies, Nutrient value, Protein denaturation, Vitamins and minerals, Vegetables processing, Food processing, and Consumers trends

A Brief Review on Ancillary Services from Advanced Metering Infrastructure (ASAMI) for Distributed Renewable Energy Network

Advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) is an integrated system of smart meters, communications networks, and data management systems that enable the secure, effective, and dependable distribution of power while also delivering enhanced capabilities to energy consumers. The system also can measure power usage, connect, and disconnect service, detect tampering, identify and isolate outages, and monitor voltage automatically and remotely, which were previously unavailable or required user intervention. This article focuses on AMI and effectively integrating renewable energy sources (RES). However, the study also recommends smart metering for renewables such as solar photovoltaic (PV), hydropower, anaerobic digestion (ad) metering, and renewable energy storage, in which AIM thoroughly supervises the energy utilized by users' appliances. With the prediction of new ancillary services connected with contestability, related regulation, the sufficiency of consumer protection, and safety issues, the magnitude of renewable energy sources in the AMI is an almost unprecedented problem for consumers. The present energy management problems include reducing the power supply-demand gap and boosting power supply dependability. Implementing AMI with distributed renewable energy resources might be a viable strategy for lowering power consumption, improving power supply management, and maximizing management resource use.