TikTok Lite’s DSA Investigation, California’s ARL Amendments, and Gaming Industry Dark Patterns

Introduction:

Welcome to Fair Monday! We know Mondays can be a bit rough, so we created Fair Monday to bring you weekly insights and resources on dark patterns and digital fairness. Each Monday, we share updates on the latest developments, helping you stay informed and empowered to create a fairer, more transparent digital space.

This Week's Highlights:

1. TikTok Lite Under Investigation for Violating the Digital Services Act (DSA)
   On April 22, 2024, the European Commission launched an investigation into TikTok Lite for possible DSA violations. The app, which rewards users with virtual coins for watching videos, was released without a required risk assessment report. The Commission expressed concerns over the app’s potential to exacerbate screen addiction risks, especially among vulnerable groups. We’ll be watching this case closely!
   Read more
2. California’s Proposed Amendments to the Automatic Renewal Law (ARL)
   Earlier this month, California proposed amendments to the Automatic Renewal Law, which could tighten rules on:
   ➡ Disclosure of contract terms.
   ➡ Gaining explicit consent from users.
   ➡ Streamlining cancellation processes.
   The amendments aim to prohibit the use of dark patterns in contracts, setting a precedent for fair and transparent subscription models.
   Learn more
3. Gaming Industry Lawsuit Over Addictive Design
   An Arkansas family has filed a lawsuit against major game developers, including Microsoft, Epic Games, Nintendo, and others, alleging that their games are intentionally designed to be addictive, particularly for minors and young adults. The family seeks damages for costs associated with their son’s video game addiction, highlighting the need for ethical design in gaming.
   Read more
4. Gaming Industry Dark Patterns: An Informative Review
   A recent review website analyzes dark patterns used by video games, defining them as features deliberately added to create negative player experiences that benefit the developer. Examples include manipulating player behavior for monetary gain or encouraging addictive gameplay loops.
   Explore the review

Podcast Spotlight:

🎙️ Don’t miss our latest podcast episode featuring Paavana Kumar, Partner at Davis+Gilbert LLP, where we discuss dark patterns and deceptive online practices. Listen here

Stay Connected:

• 🚀 Join our Masterclass on Dark Patterns 101 for actionable strategies: Register here
• 💡 Subscribe to our newsletter for updates and resources: Subscribe here
• 📚 Explore all our news and resources on our website.

Conclusion:

From TikTok Lite’s investigation under the DSA to the ongoing legal and ethical challenges in the gaming industry, this week’s updates highlight the need for vigilance and action against dark patterns. At Fairpatterns, we’re dedicated to raising awareness and fostering fairness in the digital world.

Let’s continue striving for #DigitalFairness and #Transparency. Have a fantastic week with Fair Monday!