Overview

• The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumer Act 2024 officially bans hidden fees and fake reviews in the UK starting today.
• Businesses must now include mandatory fees, such as booking and administration charges, in upfront pricing, though optional extras remain excluded.
• Online platforms are legally required to prevent and remove fake reviews, addressing an issue that affects at least 10% of product reviews on third-party platforms.
• The Competition and Markets Authority will enforce the new regulations, ensuring compliance to create a fairer marketplace.
• Research shows hidden fees previously cost UK consumers £2.2 billion annually, while fake reviews undermined trust in the £217 billion online retail sector.