NewsStory

European Commission proposes new rules on online subscriptions and manipulative design

KROV newsroom

11 Nov 2026, 6:43 pm IST1 min read

DiscussionThe story behind the news.

A painted phone with a blank screen, an open padlock and plain cards.

The European Commission proposed changes to EU consumer law on November 11 to tackle hard-to-cancel subscriptions, free trials that turn into paid plans without consumers wanting them, and online designs that steer people into purchases. It put forward the Digital Fairness Act alongside a directive to simplify existing rules.

The commission also identified unclear pricing, automatic subscription renewals and difficulty reaching a person in customer support as problems the proposal seeks to address. It said the changes are intended to protect online consumers, including children and people particularly vulnerable to unfair practices.

The measures are legislative proposals. The wider package includes a proposed revision of the rules under which EU authorities cooperate to enforce consumer protection.

Cover image is an AI-generated editorial illustration.

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