S&D Group Proposes New EU Rules to Limit Digital Nudges
The group aims to force platforms to disable autoplay and infinite scrolling by default through a new Digital Fairness Act.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Internet
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The Socialists and Democrats (S&D) group in the European Parliament has adopted a position paper advocating for a new Digital Fairness Act. The proposal seeks to mandate changes to app design, including disabling autoplay and infinite scrolling by default, and shifting the legal burden of proof onto companies.
Why it matters
This initiative aims to modernize the European Union consumer protection framework to address pervasive deceptive digital designs. It targets the power imbalance between platforms and users by restricting common manipulation techniques.
The S&D proposal cites that 97% of popular digital platforms currently use manipulative design techniques. The framework suggests reversing the burden of proof from consumers to companies, requiring firms to demonstrate compliance with fairness standards.
The players
Socialists and Democrats (S&D)
A political group in the European Parliament that shapes legislative agendas concerning digital markets and consumer rights.
European Commission
The executive branch of the European Union responsible for drafting new legislation and enforcing union-wide regulations.
The details
The proposal targets dark patterns—user interface design choices meant to trick users into specific behaviors—by mandating that features like infinite scrolling, autoplay, and push notifications be disabled by default. It also mandates that AI-powered chatbots operate on clear, revocable instructions. For video games, the group recommends banning loot boxes and pay-to-win mechanics, while introducing a right for players to revive games that publishers have abandoned.
Timeline
October 21, 2026: The S&D group adopted the position paper at a group meeting.
The Tech Race
This proposal marks an extension of the European Union's aggressive regulatory stance on digital market conduct following the Digital Services Act. It seeks to formalize consumer protection against behavioral manipulation in a landscape where prior software-focused regulations have not fully addressed interface design.
If enacted, this regulation would force platforms to alter core user experiences, such as requiring users to manually enable notifications and scrolling features. It prioritizes consumer agency by potentially banning aggressive monetization mechanics like loot boxes in video games.
The takeaway
The S&D group is pushing for a fundamental shift in digital design liability that would prioritize user agency over algorithmic engagement. Observers should track the upcoming European Commission draft to see which proposed constraints on chatbot autonomy and game monetization are included in the formal legislative text.
Further reading
Explore the evolving Internet regulations shaping digital architecture in the European Union.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Agence Europe.
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