The Government appoints Inquiry Commission on collaborative economy

It has been increasingly common to rent, share, borrow or exchange goods and services with each other via different digital platforms. This so called collaborative economy may result in many advantages for consumers, business and society as a whole. Bigger supply, greater choice and lower prices for consumers, new business opportunities for companies and efficient use of limited resources that contributes to a more sustainable society are some of the positive effects of the collaborative economy. At the same time, the traditional division between manufacturers and consumers and their respective rights and responsibilities are blurred and it is crucial to investigate whether existing rules are adapted to this development.

The Inquiry Commission shall analyse the legal status of the different actors in the collaborative economy and investigate whether there is a need for legislative changes. The Commission will focus on consumers’ rights, but will also consider the conditions for business and companies’ abilities to use new business models. The Inquiry Commission shall hand over the report by 31 March 2017.