Reported by 2 outlets
The story so far
AI summary of the reporting below · Updated · How we work
European Union lawmakers have proposed the Digital Fairness Act, a broad regulatory framework designed to curb manipulative platform designs and so-called dark patterns. The draft rules would require companies to offer an off switch for retention features such as winning streaks, alongside restrictions on autoplay functions and new mandates for influencers to disclose paid promotions. [1][2]
The mandate could significantly alter the user experience across popular consumer platforms, extending past traditional social networks to reach fitness and education apps like Strava and Duolingo. Daily streaks serve as core engagement mechanisms for these services; Duolingo previously noted that updating a streak animation on its own raised the return rate of brand-new learners by 1.7%. Under the proposed rules, platforms such as Ticketmaster would also face stricter oversight regarding how they present services and interact with consumers. [1][2]
That off switch could reach well beyond social media. As WIRED notes, it would cover the daily streaks in apps like Strava and Duolingo. That could sting, since streaks are how those apps keep people coming back. Duolingo once wrote that a new streak animation alone made brand-new learners 1.7%...
via TechSpot
Winning streaks can be turned off and influencers will be forced to reveal when they’re being paid under the new Digital Fairness Act aimed at tackling “dark patterns” on platforms and services.
via WIRED