Photo: Stephanie LeBlanc, UnsplashPhoto: Stephanie LeBlanc, UnsplashEuropean Union
EU draft would ban ten manipulative online designs and curb addictive features
The proposed Digital Fairness Act would bind platforms and AI chatbot operators with new rules and fines of up to 6% of global turnover, affecting business models across the bloc.
What happened
A draft of the Digital Fairness Act would require companies to give adult users the ability to switch off features that encourage compulsive or excessive use of their services. Bloomberg The draft would also target artificial intelligence systems that simulate personal relationships to encourage users to keep interacting with them. Bloomberg The European Commission plans to ban ten manipulative website and app designs outright, including false claims that stock is running low and pre-ticked add-ons. Euronews The proposal would also bar loot boxes and pay-to-win features for children in video games and require a terminate-the-contract button for online subscriptions. Euronews The Commission would be able to fine companies up to 6% of their global turnover. Euronews
Around it
The Commission's impact assessment estimates the rules would spare consumers 88.4 billion euros in financial losses between 2025 and 2035. Euronews Including time lost to unfair practices, the assessment puts the annual benefit at 13.7 billion euros. Euronews
What comes next
The proposal is due to be presented on Wednesday. Euronews
Sources
More from the European Union
- Photo: Stephanie LeBlanc, Unsplash
Photo: Politico Europe