Competition Bureau Targets Online Activities

OTTAWA, October 31, 2000 — The Competition Bureau today released the results of its participation in an international search to identify Internet-based "get rich quick" schemes. The Internet "sweep" was led by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, in partnership with the International Marketing Supervision Network (IMSN), which represents law enforcement authorities from more than two dozen countries, including Canada.

The international Internet "sweep" was launched in February 2000. Its aim was to identify misleading advertising and deceptive marketing practices in the marketplace. These included "get rich quick" schemes such as illegal lotteries, investments scams and deceptive offers to provide work or services from home. The Competition Bureau coordinated Canadian participation in the sweep with other provincial agencies and approximately 200 sites were examined.

Based on the international results, 25 Web sites were found to be based in Canada. After further investigation, Bureau officials advised 14 Canadian companies that the information contained on their sites could raise concerns under the Competition Act. To date, 5 companies have changed their Web sites to comply with the law. The Bureau continues to examine the remaining Web sites and will take appropriate action to ensure compliance with the law.

"The international Internet sweep is part of the Bureau's ongoing activities to combat misleading advertising and deceptive marketing practices in the electronic marketplace,"said Johanne D'Auray, Deputy Commissioner, Fair Business Practices Branch. "The Bureau will continue to work with its international partners to combat crime in the Internet age."

International cooperation is important due to the borderless nature of the Internet and the fact that Internet advertisers are often based in other countries. The IMSN plays an important role in sharing information internationally among investigative agencies that have responsibilities for consumer protection or fair business practices legislation, and in encouraging international cooperation among its members.

For more information, please contact :

Julie Hébert
Communications Directorate
819-953-4257