Canadian consumers need more protection from “free” online services: PIAC report

OTTAWA - Canadian consumers currently have little recourse should they encounter problems with free online service providers like Skype, YouTube or Dropbox, says a new report by the Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC).The report, No Such Thing as a Free Lunch: Consumer Contracts and “Free” Services, highlights the growing disparity of interests between consumers and companies offering free services, specifically when those companies seek methods to monetize their “free” businesses. While consumer losses may not be financial, the use of their information poses challenges to personal privacy.The report recommends updating current provincial consumer protection laws so they apply to those accessing...