#EU regulation

The European Union is one step away from reviving proposed rules that would require scanning of private messages for child sexual abuse material, threatening the future of end-to-end encryption. If enacted, these rules could undermine privacy and encryption across the EU, affecting hundreds of millions of users and setting a dangerous precedent for mass surveillance. The proposal, known as Chat Control, has two versions: Chat Control 1.0 allows voluntary scanning by platforms, while Chat Control 2.0 mandates scanning and effectively bans end-to-end encryption.

EU Justice Commissioner Michael McGrath announced that the European Commission plans to propose new legislation by the end of this year to enhance online consumer protection, granting itself powers to fine large tech companies and smaller online merchants for failing to protect consumers, especially children, from deceptive design patterns and addictive features. This regulatory push could fundamentally change how tech companies design user interfaces and business models, forcing them to prioritize consumer welfare over engagement metrics. It also signals a broader trend of governments using financial penalties to enforce online safety, potentially setting a global precedent. The new rules target dark patterns, addictive design, and subscription traps. The EU also seeks enforcement powers over cross-border systemic cases, applicable to both large platforms covered by existing digital rules and smaller online merchants and game developers.

The European Commission has issued preliminary findings that Meta's Facebook and Instagram violate the Digital Services Act due to addictive design features such as infinite scroll, autoplay, and personalized recommendations. This marks one of the most significant regulatory actions against addictive design in social media, potentially setting a precedent for how platforms must redesign their interfaces to protect user well-being. If finalized, the fine of up to $12 billion (6% of global revenue) would be among the largest under the DSA. The EU criticizes Meta's current time-limiting tools as ineffective and demands redesigns including disabling these features by default, imposing effective screen breaks, and reducing engagement-driven algorithms. The fine is based on preliminary findings and Meta has the right to respond before a final decision.

As of July 2024, the EU General Safety Regulation 2019/2144 requires all new car models sold in the European Union to be equipped with a driver monitoring system (DMS) that uses a camera to detect distraction and drowsiness. This regulation aims to reduce accidents caused by driver inattention, but it also raises significant privacy and usability concerns among drivers and consumer advocates. The DMS must be integrated into the vehicle's type-approval process and cannot be permanently disabled. The system typically uses infrared cameras to track eye and head movements, issuing alerts when distraction is detected.