What is the primary function of consumer protection legislation?

Consumer protection legislation primarily ensures fair business conduct by establishing rules that protect consumers from unfair practices. This includes preventing false advertising, fraud, and misleading information from businesses. Such legislation aims to create a level playing field in the marketplace, where consumers can make informed choices without being misled by companies or taken advantage of through unjust practices.

The focus of consumer protection is to safeguard consumers' rights and their ability to make free and informed decisions. By enforcing these regulations, governments help maintain trust in the market, encouraging a healthy economy where ethical business practices thrive.

While regulating product quality and facilitating trade are important functions within the marketplace, they are not the central focus of consumer protection legislation. Similarly, setting market prices falls outside the scope of consumer protection, which is more concerned with how prices are communicated and the fairness of transactions rather than dictating the prices themselves.