No more automatic video playback, endless scrolling, and design based on monetizing attention - the European Parliament has just adopted an initiative aimed at combating such practices and the generally addictive nature of online platforms.
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Since 2022, the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee in the European Parliament (EP) has been working on a resolution on Addictive Design of Online Services. The document is intended to counteract such design of internet platforms and social media, whose primary goal is to attract the attention of users and maintain it for as long as possible.
The vote on the project took place on December 12, 2023 and it was adopted by an overwhelming majority of votes. MEPs therefore hope for the earliest possible inclusion of this issue in the EP agenda and the start of work on practical solutions during the next legislative term. This will start after the elections in June 2024.
- No self-discipline can overcome the tricks of Big Techs supported by armies of designers and psychologists, whose task is to keep users glued to the screens - argues Kim Van Sparrentak, a member of the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee and one of the initiators of the project.
- If we do not take action now, it will affect the mental health and development of future generations. The European Parliament is sending a strong signal today: the EU must be the first in the world to face addictive design of online services - added Van Sparrentak.
Jakub Rusak
Among the mentioned addictive practices, the so-called infinite scroll, automatic playback of video materials and constant notifications are primarily mentioned. Members of the European Parliament also believe that technology companies should be obliged to develop ethical and fair products that do not addict or mislead users.
The EP also intends to start negotiations with the European Commission on the introduction of the "right to peace" (right not to be disturbed) and the creation of a list of good practices in designing online services. The list would include elements such as chronological tables of contents, gray mode, summaries of time spent in front of the screen and notifications turned off by default.
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