One of the projects will be a study exploring whether consumer debt has been aggravated by easy access to on-line loans and finance. Another project will investigate dot.com chemists in the UK and abroad that are selling potentially dangerous prescription medicines.
Other projects will focus on access to the internet via digital TV services and will also investigate the use of unfair standard terms in on-line contracts to ensure that consumers are protected as effectively as in the high street.
The initiatives will receive funding under the DTI’s Modernisation Fund, that aims to boost consumer protection in a variety of ways including supporting enforcement and safety projects, performance standards and information to consumers and businesses.