Consumer protection in the age of artificial intelligence – Launch of UNCTAD’s technical note and checklist

UNCTAD will host a meeting on Consumer Protection in the Age of Artificial Intelligence to launch its new Technical Note and Checklist for consumer protection agencies. The event brings together regulators, policymakers, consumer protection authorities, academics, and industry representatives to explore both the opportunities and challenges posed by AI in consumer markets.

The session will begin with opening remarks by Teresa Moreira, Head of UNCTAD’s Competition and Consumer Policies Branch, followed by the presentation of the Technical Note on Artificial Intelligence and Consumer Protection, which explores the opportunities and challenges AI brings to consumers and regulators alike. Speakers will highlight how AI can enhance consumer protection — for example, by detecting unfair commercial practices, automating complaint handling, and supporting transparent enforcement — while also raising risks such as algorithmic bias, manipulative digital practices, and privacy concerns.

The event will also present a practical Checklist for consumer protection agencies deploying AI, designed to help consumer protection agencies assess the adoption and use of AI tools in their enforcement and monitoring functions. Contributions from experts, including Prof. Christine Riefa, Valentina Rivas, and representatives from Poland, Peru, and ISO’s Committee on Consumer Policy, will provide global perspectives on implementation and regulation. The meeting will conclude with reflections by Teresa Moreira, highlighting key takeaways for consumer protection authorities and policymakers worldwide.