Rigó Csaba Balázs, the President of the Hungarian Competition Authority (GVH), emphasized the significance of consumer protection and fair competition at the Digital Consumer Protection 2024 conference in Budapest. The event addressed topics such as the relationship between digitalization and consumer protection, risks of online shopping, and educating young consumers.

The consumer protection system in Hungary relies on various institutions including the GVH, the National Bank of Hungary (MNB), the National Media and Infocommunications Authority (NMHH), and regional Government Offices. The Ministry of National Economy took over the professional direction of consumer protection in August 2024, becoming a key pillar of the national consumer protection system.

Nagy Márton, the Minister of National Economy, highlighted the increasing trend of online shopping in Hungary and the government's commitment to ensuring a level playing field between domestic and foreign online retailers. Measures have been implemented to enhance consumer protection in e-commerce, including higher fines and the authority to block websites engaging in unfair practices.

The GVH President underlined the potential risks posed by artificial intelligence in the digital age, emphasizing the need to identify and manage these risks to protect consumers. The authority has initiated market research on the impact of artificial intelligence on market competition and consumer decision-making.

Besides its competition oversight role, the GVH places great importance on enhancing consumer awareness. Initiatives such as the Digital Awareness Program for youth aim to educate students on becoming more informed consumers in the digital world. Collaboration agreements with educational programs further support consumer education efforts.