Members of Parliament Shawn Loh and Alex Yeo have formally requested an investigation into the sales techniques employed during live-streamed shopping broadcasts. Concerns were raised regarding the use of manipulative features such as artificial countdown timers, falsified stock levels, and automated notifications designed to create a false sense of urgency. Lawmakers are questioning whether these strategies constitute dark patterns or unfair trade practices under the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act 2003. The inquiry highlights the potential for these time-sensitive tactics to impair consumer decision-making. Consequently, officials are exploring whether current enforcement mechanisms used against deceptive online retailers should be applied to livestream sellers. Furthermore, the discussion includes the possibility of implementing additional safeguards, such as mandatory cooling-off periods, to better protect shoppers from high-pressure sales environments in the digital marketplace.
Source : Mothership
Photo : Mothership
