MEPs Scrutinise Commission on Digital Fairness Fitness Check
Five IMCO MEPs question the Commission on the Digital Fairness Fitness Check
Last week, five IMCO MEPs questioned the Commission on its Digital Fairness Fitness Check which lays the groundwork for the upcoming Digital Fairness Act. Isabelle Pérignon, Director for Consumers at DGJust, answered MEPs' questions.
The MEPs present showed no strong desire for new ambitious regulations like the expected Digital Fairness Act. One should note that among the five MEPs present was Dóra Dávid who had previously asked Commissioner McGrath a question pertaining to the DFA. Safe to assume that she may become one the most active MEPs on the DFA file.
Dóra Dávid stressed the need for consistent application of current rules and enhanced cooperation between various authorities before introducing new legislation.
Laura Ballarín Cereza highlighted the risks young people face from dark patterns, price manipulation, and addictive designs like infinite scrolling and loot boxes.
Kamila Gasiuk-Pihowicz emphasised that while the EU has advanced consumer protection laws, enforcement is lacking, leading to significant economic and mental health costs.
Sandro Gozi pointed out unacceptable manipulations in targeting and influencer practices, and the difficulty consumers face in exiting digital contracts.
Zala Tomašič raised concerns about the dominance of platforms like Apple and Google, which can disadvantage startups and small businesses in their app stores.
See my post on Linkedin for a more detailed breakdown of what each MEP asked.
In Other DFA News
20/11/2024: We published a “What is the Digital Fairness Act?” article which lists specific examples of Dark Patterns and Addictive design practices which are likely to fall under the DFA.
14/11/2024: Ecommerce Europe, EuroCommerce and Independent Retail Europe presented the results of a study they commissioned about “Digital Fairness in Online Retail”. The paper was presented by Prof. Dr. Jürgen Kühling, LLM and Cornelius A. Sauerborn.
12/11/2024: Euractiv held an event on the DFA “Building a safer digital environment – Protecting consumers in the EU”.
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