More attention is needed to avoid consumer damage caused by unverified, deceptive COVID-19 advertising

- KCA and KFTC concentrate on identifying and examining online advertising capitalizing on fears around COVID-19 -

With an increase in marketing efforts capitalizing on the fear of the spread of COVID-19, the Korea Consumer Agency (President Lee Hee-sook; hereinafter referred to as KCA) has concentrated its efforts on identifying and examining deceptive COVID-19-related advertising together with the Korea Fair Trade Commission (Chairperson Joh Sung-wook; hereinafter referred to as KFTC) in order to minimize related consumer damage.

So far, 40 out of 53 advertisements (45 business operators), which may mislead consumers by excessively advertising air purifiers and humidifiers for preventing COVID-19, have been instantly corrected, and prompt corrective measures have been recommended for the other 13 advertisements.

In addition, in order to correct false information in circulation on COVID-19, the KCA and the KFTC are providing a ‘COVID-19 Fact Check’ function on a consumer portal named ‘Happy Dream,’ and plan to continue to expand related consumer information for the benefit of users.

The KCA and the KFTC advised consumers to be cautious of unverified information on the effect of preventing COVID-19 and not to be persuaded into purchasing the unverified products.