# Can the EU make it harder to trick consumers online?

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/can-the-eu-make-it-harder-to-trick-consumers-online/
- Published: 2026-11-12T17:19:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-12T18:51:32+00:00
- Original publisher: DW (publisher lean: Centre)
- Original article: https://www.dw.com/en/can-the-eu-make-it-harder-to-trick-consumers-online/a-79933447?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf
- Topics: Europe, World

## Key points

- The EU proposes new rules against online subscription traps.
- Companies would need consent before charging after free trials.
- Debate continues over the rules’ reach and proportionality.

## Summary

The European Commission has proposed a Digital Fairness Act to reduce online practices that can lead consumers to spend money or time without fully understanding or intending to. It would require clearer consent and reminders for subscriptions, limit manipulative sales tactics and give users more control over features such as autoplay.

The proposal would require companies to warn people before free trials end and get explicit agreement before starting paid subscriptions, while making cancellations easier and prompting users before some automatic renewals. It would also require clearer pricing during online queues, restrict targeted marketing to children and prevent children from paying to advance in games. Consumer groups welcome the proposal as a starting point, while academics and gaming industry groups debate whether its rules are proportionate and whether stronger enforcement of existing laws could address some problems.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.