Joint call for an ambitious Digital Fairness Act to better protect people online

European consumer organizations are urging the European Commission to enact a robust Digital Fairness Act (DFA), emphasizing the urgent need for updated consumer protections in the increasingly complex digital landscape. This initiative aims to address the proliferation of unfair commercial practices that exploit consumers, particularly vulnerable groups, and undermine fair competition. The call for a DFA underscores a growing concern that existing legislation, while important, is insufficient to tackle modern online harms. The proposed DFA seeks to clarify and modernize horizontal EU consumer law, which has not kept pace with the rapid evolution of digital technologies and business models. Current regulations, such as the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive adopted over two decades ago, lack specific provisions for contemporary online issues like dark patterns, addictive design, and manipulative personalization techniques. These practices, often built on asymmetric information, can lead to significant financial and psychological damage, fuel overconsumption, and distort market dynamics. The impact of this legislative push extends beyond individual consumer protection, aiming to bolster Europe's digital sovereignty and competitiveness. By creating clearer rules and increasing legal certainty, the DFA intends to foster a fairer digital environment that benefits both consumers and legitimate businesses, while also reducing harm and promoting more sustainable economic models. This proactive approach signals the EU's commitment to ensuring that digital markets uphold fundamental rights and trust.