EU exec unveils raft of measures to protect consumers online
dpaBrusselsThe European Commission wants to make it easier for consumers to cancel online subscriptions, under sweeping proposals unveiled onWednesday.The comprehensive legislative...
The European Commission unveiled an extensive plan on Wednesday aimed at simplifying the cancellation of online subscriptions and enhancing consumer rights across various sectors, according to the European Commission. The comprehensive legislative package, spearheaded by EU Consumer Protection Commissioner Michael McGrath, is described as the most significant reform of European consumer protection laws in over 20 years.
This Digital Fairness Act (DFA) seeks to protect consumers from manipulation through "dark patterns" and prohibit deceptive practices in online shopping, gaming, and ticket sales.
Key proposals include making it as simple as signing up to cancel subscriptions, prohibiting language like "We are sad to see you go," and ensuring consumers can easily verify ticket availability, including price ranges. The Commission also aims to combat tactics like artificial scarcity and dynamic pricing by requiring the disclosure of ticket quantities at various price points.
Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram may soon allow users to disable features like endless scrolling and automatic video playback, aiming to reduce platform dependency. The law also imposes new safeguards for children, including default blocking of virtual currencies and a requirement for parental consent for in-game purchases. The Commission further proposes banning "loot boxes" for minors, which function similarly to gambling.
Moreover, the law mandates that companies providing customer service, even via AI, must offer human assistance for contract disputes. Consumers would retain their consumer rights when AI agents act on their behalf, with controls to ensure AI remains within predefined limits. German publishers expressed strong disapproval of the measures, criticizing the potential burden on digital businesses and the impact on free press.
The proposed legislation is currently under review by EU member states and the European Parliament, with a final legislative agreement potentially taking months or years to finalize.
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