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This is also why we have actually meaningful consumer protections in place.

Can you give me an example of effective consumer protection?

Yes, consumer rights in Europe are great for buying various goods and services!

For example, the EU regs for flight delays are a great example of consumer protection that is actually beneficial. You get paid cash compensation (which often exceeds the face value of the ticket) if you’re delayed more than a certain amount.

FYI, you are entitled to a refund in the U.S. if your flight is delayed significantly. As of last week, it's 3 hours for domestic flights, or 6 hours for international. The refund is automatic. It's been true for a long time that people could get refunds for significant delays, but the definition of how long "significant" means was not defined.

The food safety laws of 1906 and the safe cosmetics laws of 1935.

Seriously, the death and destruction caused by lead, morphine and mercury in everyday things was not a joke.

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