In this episode of The Cyber Lawyer Podcast, we dive deep into the global regulatory landscape as governments take aim at dark patterns and unfair trading practices. With a focus on recent developments in India, Australia, and Hungary, we explore how regulators are tackling the challenges posed by manipulative digital practices, misinformation, and unfair consumer interactions.

Key Topics Covered:

• India’s Stand on Misinformation and Content Removal:
  Hear about the Indian government’s push for faster action by social media companies to curb misinformation and volatile content. Discover why IT Secretary S Krishnan believes the "safe harbour provisions" no longer shield platforms that fail to act swiftly.

  
  



• Australia’s Proposed Ban on Unfair Trading Practices:
  We unpack Australia’s forward-thinking proposal to outlaw unfair trading practices under its Consumer Law. Learn about the proposed “grey list” of harmful practices, the debate over “unreasonableness” as a regulatory criterion, and what this could mean for businesses engaged in subscription traps, drip pricing, and dynamic pricing.

  
  



• Hungary and the EU’s Crackdown on Unfair Pricing:
  Delve into the Hungarian Competition Authority's proactive enforcement against unfair pricing practices. We discuss how this aligns with broader EU consumer protection law reforms and what businesses can learn from Notino’s case.

  
  

Key Questions Explored:

1. Principles-Based vs. Specific Regulation:
   Are broad, principles-based approaches better suited to tackle emerging deceptive tactics, or do we need strict, specific prohibitions?

   
   



2. Balancing Swift Action and Freedom of Speech:
   How can governments manage the tension between quickly removing harmful content and protecting free expression?

   
   



3. Business Adaptation:
   What steps should companies take to stay ahead of regulatory trends and avoid practices that regulators increasingly classify as harmful or unfair?

   
   

Why You Should Listen:
As global regulators ramp up efforts to curb manipulative practices, the stakes for businesses and consumers have never been higher. This episode provides practical insights for legal professionals, policymakers, and business leaders navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of digital regulation. Whether drafting policies, advocating for consumer rights, or managing compliance, this episode equips you with the knowledge to stay ahead of the curve.

Tune in to The Cyber Lawyer Podcast and join the conversation on the global response to dark patterns and unfair digital practices