SIC fines Movistar for misleading advertisement

The Superintendence of Industry and Commerce, as national consumer protection authority, imposes a fine of COP $1.507.000.000 (about USD $344.000) on MOVISTAR for misleading advertising. This action was undertaken as part of the marketing campaign entitled "IlimiDatos" which included, according to the provider, the chance to share internet service with other users.

Nevertheless, the message transmitted in this campaign misled consumers, since, sharing data through the service was only available among post-paid users. In that sense, it was determinate that the advertising campaign generated false expectations related to the use of the service offered and MOVISTAR omitted relevant information essential for consumers.

Furthermore, the SIC concluded that MOVISTAR did not apply the appropriate process to the requests and claims for termination of the contract of consumers, ignoring the right that assists users to terminate their contracts, demanding additional and unnecessary requirements.