Online rights advocates across Europe and beyond are raising alarms about how tech companies are making digital life harder for users. They’ve written to policymakers in the EU, UK, and the US, urging action to curb practices that prioritize profits over user experience. The campaign highlights growing concerns about digital market dominance and the need for stronger rules to protect consumers and promote fair competition.

The Rise of Digital Enshittification

The term “enshittification” was popularized by writer Cory Doctorow and describes the process where software and online platforms gradually degrade in quality. This often happens as companies push more ads, introduce subscription models, and add unwanted features like AI tools, all while making previous features harder to access or more expensive. The Norwegian Consumer Council, one of the main groups behind the campaign, argues that this trend is damaging user rights and stifling innovation.

The groups’ letter criticizes the increasing power of large tech firms and the lack of alternatives in many digital markets. They point out that deregulation efforts have made it easier for big companies to dominate, leaving consumers with fewer choices. The campaign calls for a shift back toward balanced power, where users are protected and competition is encouraged. They stress the importance of enforcing existing laws and creating new ones like a Digital Fairness Act to ensure fair treatment for all users.

Concerns About Lock-In and Market Power

While there’s no evidence that enterprise software providers intentionally worsen their products, many customers are frustrated with the shift to subscription-only services. Features that were once bought outright are now locked behind ongoing payments. This can make users feel trapped, especially when they rely heavily on certain tools for work or personal use.

Another issue is the increasing integration of AI and other unwanted features into everyday applications. These additions often seem designed to increase dependency on the service, rather than improve user experience. The Norwegian Consumer Council produced a video demonstrating these trends, showing how frequent upgrades, pervasive advertising, and subscription fees have become the norm, turning once simple products into ongoing financial commitments.

The campaign warns that if these practices continue unchecked, consumers and smaller companies will find it harder to navigate the digital landscape. They advocate for stronger laws and regulations to limit the misuse of market power and to give users more control over their digital environments.

Inspired by

• https://www.computerworld.com/article/4141894/european-consumers-ask-eu-to-put-a-stop-to-digital-enshittification.html

Sources

• forbrukerradet.no
• merriam-webster.com
• pcworld.com
• forbrukerradet.no