Italy and Australia offer glimpse of what to expect from new UK consumer laws

In this episode, we report on the changes to the UK’s consumer law regime (made by the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (the DMCC Act). With enforcement action expected to ramp up in the UK, we consider how similar approaches have played out in Australia and Italy. While consumer protection jurisdictions in Australia and Italy have seen strong and active enforcement, the enforcement powers in the UK were relatively weaker – until 6 April 2025, when the Competition & Markets Authority's new direct enforcement powers became active. In this episode, Ashurst colleagues Fiona Garside and Chris Eberhardt explain how the UK’s new regime represents a major change to the way consumer law is enforced, including potentially significant penalties for breaches (up to a maximum of 10% of the company's global turnover) as well as redress requirements and other directions or remedies. Joining Fiona and Chris are Gabriele Accardo and Melissa Fraser from Ashurst’s Milan and Sydney offices, respectively. Gabriele and Melissa explain how consumer protection enforcement works in Italy and Australia. They outline how prudent organisations approach compliance, including setting a culture from senior management downwards. And they share the regulatory priorities and trends that are shaping the agenda in their respective countries. Together, the four colleagues reflect on what UK organisations can learn from their overseas counterparts. To listen and subscribe to this podcast, search for ‘Ashurst Legal Outlook’ on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favourite podcast player. And to find out more about the full range of Ashurst podcasts, visit ashurst.com/podcasts. The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.