News
The social media news feed that never ends. The pop-up on the booking page that screams to users "74 people are watching this too! There are only 3 offers left!". The privacy settings page or account deletion page that can only be found after a marathon of clicks: These are all corporate design decisions that define the everyday online lives of millions of people. At best, such design practices are just annoying. At worst, they are intrusions on people's freedom of choice in the name of maximizing attention and profit. That's why the European Digital Services Act ("DSA") for tech platforms needs to explicitly focus on design issues.
By Redaktion Table
While the European Parliament is working on new regulations against the design tricks known as "dark patterns", data and consumer protection activists are setting about enforcing the laws already in place to curb the phenomenon. The European Data Protection Board has now published guidelines for dark patterns on social media platforms. Those who deliberately deceive or trick their customers may soon be put on notice or even sued. But before that, those affected have the opportunity to comment.
By Redaktion Table
With the new "Strategic Compass", the foreign ministers clear the way for a military intervention force. But it comes too late for the Ukraine war. A peace solution is also not in sight.
By Eric Bonse