Get business in order: Commission urges

Fiji's Commerce Commission is giving mobile companies and media outlets time till August 13, 2012 to get their business in order so that no breaches to the Commerce Commission Decree 2010 are made.

This was revealed in a statement by the Commission chairman Dr Mahendra Reddy.

Dr Reddy comments follow after numerous complaints in the past with regards to the manner in which texting competitions and promotions are undertaken in Fiji by media outlets.

The complaints dealt with issues of unfair trading practices using social media by promoters.

The commission notes and recognises promoters and media outlets are inclined to focus on the benefits of their product, while consumers confronted with lack of information, complexity, and uncertainty.

The commission is proposing is a self regulating mechanism which, if followed to the dot, will ensure no business practice is in breach of the decree.

The guideline provisions deal with various issues related to responsible texting competition and promotion practices.

Mobile companies and media outlets are advised to abide by the provision in regards to its accuracy and clarity, disguised advertising techniques, prize claims, safety and unacceptable depictions and portrayal.

Dr Reddy said this is to ensure businesses are undertaken on a fair basis with full information to all stakeholders for.

By Ropate Valemei