Brussels, 10 March 2022
The Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee will hold a hearing on Wednesday to evaluate the risks dark patterns pose to consumers, businesses and the digital single market.
The hearing will provide MEPs the opportunity to hear the opinions of experts, activists and consumer protection organisations on so-called “dark patterns”, which are widely used by online platforms intending to influence users’ behaviour. Such practices could be hiding certain important options, like deactivating the user’s account, or using psychological tricks to nudge users into buying unwanted products.
The first panel will address the impacts on consumers and potential harm and the second panel will focus on the misuse of dark patterns by large online companies.
The hearing will feed into the discussions and negotiations on draft legislation, such as the Digital Services Act, the Digital Markets Act and the Data Act.
Hearing: “Dark patterns and how such practices harm consumers and the digital single market”
When: 16 March 2022, 13.45 – 15.15
Where: European Parliament, Spinelli building, room 3C50, Brussels, and with remote participation
The programme of the hearing is available here.