The consumer movement marks 15th March with World Consumer Rights Day every year, as a means of raising global awareness about consumer rights and needs. Celebrating the day is a chance to demand that the rights of all consumers are respected and protected, and to protest against market abuses and social injustices which undermine those rights. 

World Consumer Rights Day is globally recognised with support from the United Nations and other international actors. For 40 years Consumers International has run the campaign, uniting the consumer movement to celebrate together. Consumers International Members help to select the campaign topic each year to help mobilise global action on pressing issues impacting consumers.  

This year, Consumers International has selected ‘Fair and responsible AI for consumers’ as the theme for World Consumer Rights Day 2024.

About the theme

Last year, breakthroughs in generative AI took the digital world by storm. Thanks to the release of chatbots that appear to mimic human conversation, millions of consumers are already using generative AI in their daily lives. The technology is set to have an enormous impact, in the way we work, create, communicate, gather information and much more.

There is real opportunity here. Used properly, generative AI could enhance consumer care and improve channels of redress. However, it will also have serious implications for consumer safety and digital fairness. With developments taking place at breakneck speed, we must move quickly to ensure a fair and responsible AI future.

This year, World Consumer Rights Day will highlight concerns like misinformation, privacy violations, and discriminatory practices, as well as how AI-driven platforms can spread false information and perpetuate biases.

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