Compensation For Damages On The Software-Contents Purchased Through On-line Sales Is To Begin In September

Consumers are to be compensated for the damages on the software-contents purchased through on-line sales commencing in September. Ministry of Finance and Economy prepared a draft of the regulations on the damage compensation for consumers, based on this content yesterday. The reform draft allows the consumers to request for the termination of the contract or claim for compensations for the damages when the `digital products` like software for entertainment and education, which are purchased through Internet, are not being transferred on time or the service is discontinued. When a person under age purchases a product without the consent of the legal guardian, the product can be returned. Also, user fees can be refunded when the contract was made based on the exaggerated advertisement or the falsity of business sector. Changes in the reform bill include the following. According to the current law, when the moving companies break the contract unilaterally, the period of compensations for damages includes the day of moving or one day prior to the termination of the contract. The reform bill extends the compensation period from one prior day to two prior days of the termination of the contract. Through the reform bill, the government also plans to supplement the criteria for the compensation with regard to the business of selling pet dogs. Ministry of Finance and Economy plans to complete the consultation with the related ministries and the business groups by August and to enforce the bill through the consumer policy review committee in September.

Park Joong-Hyun sanjuck@donga.com