European Commission draft proposes ban on ten online design traps

The European Commission plans to ban ten manipulative website and app designs outright, according to a leaked draft of the Digital Fairness Act reported by Euronews. The proposal, which is due to be presented on Wednesday, targets designs that keep users clicking, spending, and subscribed. [1]

According to Euronews, the draft proposal targets practices including fake notifications, free trials that quietly convert into paid subscriptions, false claims of low stock, pre-ticked add-ons, and nagging pop-ups. The draft law would also require a specific button for users to terminate online contracts and allow the European Commission to impose fines on non-compliant companies. [1]

Euronews also reported that the proposed legislation includes specific protection measures for minors. The draft act would bar loot boxes and pay-to-win features for children in video games. [1]

Concerns over online subscription traps have also drawn attention at the local level. As FTMQ News reported earlier, Kerry County Councillors in Ireland voted to request national legislation protecting consumers from subscription services that are difficult to cancel, following a motion raised by Councillor Fionnan Fitzgerald. [2]