World Consumer Rights Day 2024: What is it? Why AI chosen as theme this year?

World Consumer Rights Day, an observance aimed at spreading awareness among consumers worldwide, is marked annually on March 15. The theme and activities related to the day are organised and coordinated by Consumers International, an umbrella group representing around 200 consumer organisations spread globally.

For World Consumer Rights Day 2024, the theme of “Fair and responsible AI for consumers” was selected, Consumer International said in a note published on its website.

This year, World Consumer Rights Day will also highlight concerns related to misinformation, privacy violations, and discriminatory practices, apart from the possible violation of consumer rights through the misuse of AI.

What is World Consumer Rights Day?

Every year on March 15, consumer bodies around the world and other influential actors come together to celebrate World Consumer Rights Day to raise global awareness on consumer rights, protection and empowerment.

Notably, March 15, 1962, was the day when American President John F Kennedy raised the issue of consumer rights in the US Congress. According to reports, he was the first head of state to address this topic with the lawmakers. After 21 years, the first World Consumer Rights Day was observed on March 15, 1983.

Consumers International says that it coordinates the activities throughout the day through a multi-stakeholder approach involving its 200 members, international organisations, government, business and civil society.

Why was AI chosen as the theme for World Consumer Rights Day 2024?

Consumer International, while explaining the rationale behind the selection of the theme, said breakthroughs in generative AI have taken the digital world by storm. With chatbots appearing to mimic human conversation, millions of consumers are already using generative AI in their daily lives, it pointed out.

While the technology could enhance consumer care and improve channels of redress, “it will also have serious implications for consumer safety and digital fairness,” Consumer International said.

With developments taking place at breakneck speed, efforts must be made quickly to ensure a fair and responsible AI future, it added. In this backdrop, World Consumer Rights Day will highlight “how AI-driven platforms can spread false information and perpetuate biases,” the organisation further noted.