E-gov model for consumers protection and defense: a Brazilian experience

The Consumers Protection and Defense Code was legislation introduced by the Brazilian Government in the early 90´s to update consumer protection laws and regulations. Although the Code represents a huge step for Brazil, the consumers protection government policies are still inefficient. The major problem faced by the government is that the majority of the population is unaware of consumers´ right. In order to solve this problem, researchers jointly with many government entities developed Consumers SC - The Santa Catarina´s Consumers Portal to offer consumers unprecedented protection while strengthening confidence in the marketplace. The Portal assists consumers and community groups, government institutions and other interested groups and individuals in understanding and exercising their rights as a consumer.