UK’s Safer Phones Bill, FTC’s “Click to Cancel” Rule, and Australia’s Ban on Unfair Business Practices

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. UK’s Safer Phones Bill: Protecting Children and Strengthening Online Safety
   Labour MP Josh MacAlister introduced the Safer Phones Bill to address concerns over addictive social media and online safety. Key proposals include:
   ➡ Raising the "internet adulthood" age from 13 to 16.
   ➡ Banning phones in schools to promote focus and well-being.
   ➡ Expanding Ofcom’s powers to oversee tech safeguards for teens.
   
   While supported by Labour and Conservative members, the government has yet to commit to a school phone ban, leaving management decisions to headteachers. Read more‍
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2. FTC Finalizes “Click to Cancel” Rule
   On October 16, 2024, the FTC finalized the "Click to Cancel" rule, simplifying subscription cancellations. Highlights include:
   ➡ Requiring that cancellations be as easy as sign-ups across online, phone, and in-person platforms.
   ➡ Targeting dark patterns, such as retention traps and complex multi-step cancellation processes.
   ➡ Imposing fines of up to $51,744 per violation for non-compliance.
   
   While the rule does not ban retention offers, businesses are warned against using deceptive practices during cancellations. The rule will take effect 180 days after publication in the Federal Register. Read more‍
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3. Australia Bans Unfair Business Practices
   The Albanese Government announced a landmark ban on unfair business practices, earning praise from the Consumer Policy Research Centre (CPRC). The legislation aims to:
   ➡ Protect Australians from exploitative tactics, such as subscription traps.
   ➡ Target unfair customer service practices, including companies avoiding complaints.
   
   According to CPRC research:
   ➡ 75% of Australians with subscriptions have struggled to cancel.
   ➡ 10% continued paying for services they didn’t want.
   ➡ 48% reported wasting excessive time on cancellations.
   
   The ban, drawing inspiration from global standards, is seen as a new era for consumer rights in Australia. Read more

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Conclusion:

From the UK’s push for safer phones and stricter online safeguards to the FTC’s landmark “Click to Cancel” rule and Australia’s historic ban on unfair business practices, this week’s updates emphasize the global movement toward fairness, transparency, and consumer protection.

At Fairpatterns, we’re dedicated to helping organizations embrace ethical design and regulatory compliance while building trust with users.

Let’s keep working toward a fairer digital future. Have a fantastic week with Fair Monday!