Commission wants to ban misleading tactics and regular influencers

Ae online sales platforms can no longer use misleading commercial tactics and digital influencers will be subject to regulation, according to a proposal put forward today by the European Commission to increase consumer protection.

“ Whether consumers make their purchases online or in a physical shop, they are entitled to the same high level of protection,” said European Commissioner for Justice Michael McGrath at a press conference in Brussels to present the legislative package that includes two aspects: the Digital Equity Act, to combat online abusive commercial practices, and the review of the Consumer Protection Cooperation Regulation.

With the approval of this proposal, by the Member States and the European Parliament, the Commission may impose fines which may reach up to 6% of the worldwide annual turnover of infringement firms.

Still in the fight against the “dark standards”, Brussels wants to end the addition by default of options difficult to eliminate by the buyer, or notifications that encourage clicking on an offer using false pretexts.

As regards digital influencers, advertising content will have to be identified and the protection of minors strengthened.

As for the purchase of online tickets, Brussels wants more transparent queues and the end of the addition of last minute fees (a tactic called “drip pricing”).

The video game sector is also targeted, forcing editors and platforms to clearly display the real value of virtual coins, the use of which will have to be disabled by default in the case of minors, who will have to obtain parental permission to use them.

The Commission also wants to end the practice of paying to progress or win in a game ("pay to win"), or acquire “loot boxes” (virtual surprise boxes paid, random content), in minors.

Brussels estimates that this increased protection could save up to EUR 13.7 billion a year for European consumers.