EU Commission: “Digital Fairness” law against dark patterns

European consumers currently do not feel that they have “full control over their online activities” at all times. The EU Commission reached the conclusion after a review of three key EU consumer protection laws, the results of which it published on Thursday. According to the report, the EU Commission still considers manipulative or addictive designs of online services (“dark patterns”) as problematic. Consumer decisions can be unfairly influenced by suggesting a false sense of urgency and thus placing unnecessary pressure on users.

Advertisement

Due to Corona: Police should be allowed to hunt thieves with state Trojans for a long time

Service providers undermine citizens’ trust in the online world According to the report Same with personalized, targeted advertising if it takes advantage of consumer vulnerabilities. Using targeting and profiling, marketers “tried to take advantage of personal problems, financial difficulties or unstable mental states,” the commission complains. She also sees difficulties in managing or preventing problematic forms of digital subscriptions and advertising by influencers on social media.

EU consumers lost 7.9 billion euros

EU directives against unfair business practices, unacceptable contractual clauses and consumer rights were under scrutiny. The Commission’s conclusion: Unfair practices cost consumers “time and money”. The total damage in the EU is at least 7.9 billion euros annually. At the same time, the cost for companies to comply with the relevant regulations is significantly lower, at 737 million euros annually.

That’s why the Commission wants to take action: President Ursula von der Leyen (CDU) has appointed Justice Commissioner Michael McGrath has already been instructedTo develop a law for digital neutrality and thus take action against documented unethical technologies.

The Commission “must now follow up its findings with action,” the Federal Association of Consumer Organizations (vzbv) said, calling for “a comprehensive update to European consumer law.” The Computer and Communications Industry Association (CCIA), which represents many big tech companies, warns of “additional bureaucratic effort.” First, existing consumer protection laws and regulations such as the Digital Services Act (DSA) should be implemented in a coordinated manner.

(vbr)