FINN fast-tracks EU safeguards against online fraud
Vend and FINN have voluntarily fast-tracked key safeguards from the EU’s Digital Services Act ahead of its formal implementation in Norway. The measures are intended to support the fight against online fraud by making it easier to report illegal content and strengthening verification of professional sellers.
Earlier this year, Vend announced that FINN would voluntarily introduce two key DSA-related safeguards by 1 October rather than wait for the legislation to take effect in Norway. The initiative was also presented to then Minister of Digitalisation and Public Governance Karianne Tung during her visit to Vend and FINN in May.
Those safeguards are now in place.
FINN has rolled out an improved Notice and Action mechanism, making it easier for users to report potentially illegal content, including suspected scams, receive information about FINN’s decision and appeal it where relevant.
FINN has also strengthened its Know Your Business Customer (KYBC) procedures, verifying professional sellers before they start selling.
“There is no silver bullet against online fraud, but we believe concrete action like this can help. By fast-tracking these safeguards voluntarily, we can strengthen protections for FINN users now rather than wait for the legislation to enter into force in Norway,” says CEO Christian Printzell Halvorsen.
The work also reflects Vend’s Nordic approach to fraud prevention. Common systems, processes and routines across its marketplaces in Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland make it easier to identify patterns, share learnings and strengthen safeguards across markets.
“Fraud increasingly crosses borders and evolves quickly in terms of new methods, technology and professional networks. Being able to learn from several Nordic marketplaces helps us identify new patterns, understand what works and improve our proactive and reactive defences faster. Fast-tracking these safeguards is another concrete step in that work,” says Geir Petter Gjefsen, Director of Fraud Prevention.
Vend looks forward to continuing to work with public authorities and other partners to combat online fraud and strengthen digital safety, and stands ready to contribute its experience as Norway moves forward with the DSA under the new Minister of Digitalisation and Public Governance, Torgeir Micaelsen.