In an interview with Handelsblatt, drugstore boss Raoul Roßmann expressed his concern over the leniency towards questionable digital business models in Germany. He believes that Chinese cheap platform Ago should be punished more consistently for disregarding the law. Roßmann stated that platforms like Ago should be shut down if they do not follow the rules, similar to what is happening in France where fines and advertising bans are being introduced for such platforms.
The controversy surrounding Ago and similar platforms highlights the need for stricter enforcement of laws and regulations in the digital marketplace. The federal government and the Federal Association of Consumer Organizations have accused these platforms of misleading consumers with discounts, reviews, and designs. However, the platform denies these allegations, claiming that their sellers are traditional manufacturers who use recommended prices based on those in physical stores.
Despite this justification, consumer advocates are considering legal action against them. Consumer Protection State Secretary Christiane Rohleder emphasized the importance of enforcing regulations, particularly those banning manipulative design on online platforms. She highlighted that such practices can harm consumers and undermine fair competition in the marketplace.
