Social Media 'Court' Haunts Car Companies and Dealerships in Egypt

Social media platforms have become an open arena for holding car companies and dealerships in Egypt accountable. Some customers post photos, videos, and comments accusing them of wasting their rights or defrauding them. The content spreads at breakneck speed. With some bloggers joining the fray, the door opens to defamation and pressure on car companies to negotiate or pay compensation.

A 'Court' That Punishes Car Dealerships

Journalist and media figure Hisham El-Ziny revealed that social media has become like a 'court' that punishes car companies and agencies based on any individual's claims. Speaking on his radio program 'Arabity' on Radio Egypt, he said some customers use social platforms to insult companies and accuse them of wasting their rights or defrauding them. He explained that such videos and posts spread very quickly, especially when bloggers enter the picture. He noted that some of these bloggers may have an interest in directing accusations at specific companies, attempting to blackmail them and push them to deal with them or win their favor by giving them a promotional opportunity for money.

Public Blackmail and Defamation of Long-Established Brands

El-Ziny pointed out that social media is witnessing public blackmail and defamation of brands that carry names with decades-long histories. Some customers demand compensation from companies. When the latter refuse these demands, they resort to defamation, either through bloggers or through their own accounts on social platforms, aiming to pressure them into negotiation. The host of 'Arabity' stressed that these practices occur in some cases without customers resorting to the Consumer Protection Agency, the body responsible for protecting consumer rights and granting justice if their claim is proven. This puts these customers in the dock for deliberately defaming and pressuring companies through social media platforms.

Consumer Protection Agency Absent from the Scene

The absence of the Consumer Protection Agency from some of these disputes raises questions. The agency is the official body tasked with protecting consumer rights and ensuring justice when claims are valid. Yet some customers prefer social media over legal channels. That choice puts them in the dock for deliberate defamation and pressure on Toyota and other major brands. Companies, in turn, sometimes find themselves forced to negotiate to avoid a reputation crisis.

Impact on Brand Reputation

Major brands like Hyundai and Nissan aren't immune to this type of accusation. Their decades-long history could be damaged by a single viral post. Still, some companies resort to negotiation to prevent the crisis from escalating. Yet observers note that some accusations may be justified, but the illegal way of expressing them weakens the complainant's position. Social media isn't a substitute for the judiciary or the Consumer Protection Agency.

How Can Companies Protect Themselves?

The solution isn't to ignore complaints. Companies facing defamation campaigns can document all communications and correspondence. A swift, transparent response through official channels reduces damage. Cooperating with the Consumer Protection Agency gives the company credibility. As for customers with genuine complaints, they are better off turning to the competent authorities. Posting on social media may achieve quick pressure, but it doesn't grant legal compensation. The real court is the one that hears both sides.