Commission proposes Digital Fairness Act with in-app currency and autoplay rules

The European Commission presented its proposal for a Digital Fairness Act on 11 November 2026, alongside a revision of the Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) Regulation and a directive simplifying the Consumer Rights Directive. The proposals now go to the European Parliament and the Council.

According to the Commission's press release and Q&A, the act would ban manipulative design practices known as dark patterns. It would require clear pricing for purchases made with virtual in-app currencies, with companies showing what those purchases are worth in real currency. For minors, virtual in-app currencies would be turned off by default, and loot boxes and pay-to-win or pay-to-progress features would be banned.

Consumers would be able to turn off addictive design features such as autoplay of videos and persistent prompts. Subscriptions would have to be easier to cancel, and free trials would need active confirmation before turning into paid contracts. The simplification directive would ease information requirements for repeat in-app purchases.

Under the CPC revision, the Commission could investigate large-scale cross-border cases directly and fine companies up to 6% of worldwide annual turnover. Non-EU companies would have to appoint a legal representative in the EU. The texts do not name vertical-drama or short-video apps specifically.