False start for the new consumer protection portal

Technical problems hinder launch of the consumer protection portal

21.07.2011

The excitement before the launch of the new online portal „lebensmittelklarheit.de“ on Wednesday was both the advocates and the critics great. Accordingly, the rush fell out after the page went online. But the server capacities did not seem to do that. Again and again, the site was not accessible since yesterday, so that especially the critics quickly propagated a false start for consumer protection. But in the long term, the portal is certainly a good option to get rid of sham and tricks in the food industry with the help of consumers.

Hardly anyone would be surprised that the server capacity on the first day was not equal to the rush for the media interest, which was given to the new online portal in advance. Because the site was already on everyone's lips, before the initiated by the consumer centers portal „lebensmittelklarheit.de“ ever went online. With the financial support of the Department of Consumer Protection, a platform should be created to allow consumers to file complaints about sham or the like and at the same time be aware of certain articles in a transparent manner.

Food industry fears Internet pillory
The Minister for Consumer Protection, Ilse Aigner, used the project before the actual launch in order to refute the criticism of maladministration in the food sector and to present itself as an energetic consumer representative. The food industry, however, expressed massive criticism of the planned portal after the announcement of the plans and is still extremely hostile to it today. However, the question arises as to what companies actually have to fear, because quick shots in which companies are publicly denounced without being given the opportunity to comment are included „lebensmittelklarheit.de“ locked out. Consumer complaints are posted on the portal and then evaluated by consumer advocates. Where appropriate, they will contact the relevant manufacturers and give the companies the opportunity to comment in detail. Only then are the results published.

Causes of the failures so far not clarified conclusively
For the time being, however, food producers do not have to worry that they might be mentioned on the online portal, since since the start on Wednesday, the technical problems dominate and a smooth operation has hardly been possible. „The onslaught was just too big“, so the explanation attempt of a spokeswoman of the Federal association of the consumer centers opposite „sueddeutsche.de“.The server capacities were simply not designed for such a rush, „We are very sorry“, said the spokeswoman for consumer advice centers. At present, all available personnel are busy with the solution of the problem, whereby first of all for sufficient server capacities must be provided, so the spokeswoman of the consumer centers further. The interest of the public was apparently greater than the politicians and consumer advocates had originally adopted. However, the consumer advocates have not been able to provide detailed information on the causes of page failures. Also possible speculation about a targeted hacker attack by the food industry can be followed later, since all capacities are currently involved in the correction of the current problems. However, according to consumer advocates, such an attack is extremely unlikely. According to the spokeswoman, it is not yet clear when the online portal with all functions will be reliably available again, but there is hope that the problems can be brought under control during the day. (Fp)

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Picture credits: Barbara Eckholdt