Lisbon Lawsuit Accuses Big Tech of Building Apps to Hook Users
In February, the European Commission warned TikTok to overhaul what it calls the platform’s 'addictive design' or face potentially large fines.
TL;DR
- Portuguese digital-rights group D3 is suing Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube in the EU.
- D3 alleges the apps use addictive design tactics, known as 'dark patterns,' to keep users hooked.
- Examples of these tactics include infinite scrolling, automatic playback, notifications, algorithmic recommendations, and gamification.
- The lawsuits were filed in Lisbon's Civil Court and are the first class actions of their kind in the EU.
- D3 claims these companies exploit their informational power to shape user behavior without limits.