With regard to official controls and activities concerning online trade and other distance selling, the BAVG makes use of the legally standardised support services of AGES. For this purpose, a competent internet unit has been established within AGES as the central interface for all federal offices affiliated to it in accordance with the Health and Food Safety Act(GESG). Since BAVG and the AGES internet unit were founded in 2022, a steadily growing network has been established in the area of internet control. BAVG experts regularly attend international conferences to generate expertise and observe examples of best practice across Europe. Regular dialogue is maintained with both domestic and foreign authorities, as well as with interest groups.

Working together for consumer protection on the internet

The Austria Customs Office (ZAÖ) and the BAVG signed a cooperation agreement in 2022for close cooperation at a strategic level. The cooperation improves mutual support in operational enforcement and the exchange of expertise in terms of food safety and protection against animal diseases. This means that priority actions in the area of internet control can be jointly planned and executed in a timely manner.

Since 2023, the cooperation between the BAVG and the Austrian Institute for Applied Telecommunications (ÖIAT) has strengthened consumer protection on the internet. The strategic partnership expands expertise in the area of internet fraud in order to warn consumers about scams and fake shops. The safe, responsible and competent use of digital media in Austria is promoted through the exchange of experience, joint training on current problem areas and networking in prevention work and the respective information channels:

• Current warnings about scams and other traps on the internet at Watchlist Internet
• Lists of dubious websites, including fake shops, financial fraud and subscription traps at Watchlist Internet warning lists
• Help with problems relating to online shopping and other digital topics (copyright, data protection law, personal rights, etc.) is available from the Internet Ombudsman's Office

In 2024, an event was organised in cooperation with the Ecosocial Forum (ÖSF) on the dangers of cheap online purchases on the internet was organised. In addition, the cooperation with the Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection (BJV) of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg strengthens international efforts for food safety and consumer protection with a focus on online trade.

The BAVG supports innovative research approaches for greater consumer safety in online retail: an eMarketShield project led by the AGES Internet Unit serves to strengthen risk-based control and monitoring measures in online food retail using artificial intelligence (AI). The focus is on food supplements, cosmetics and toys. The aim is to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of digital market surveillance by developing innovative control approaches. The project is supported by the KIRAS funding programme of the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG).