Factsheets

The fast fashion industry uses dark patterns (manipulative techniques) to prompt consumers into buying more and more clothing. This costs them money, exposes them to harmful chemicals, and has a major environmental and societal impact. SHEIN has rapidly emerged as the most egregious example of the use of dark patterns. The following research from BEUC members highlights how consumers are being deceived by these practices into overconsumption.

Today, e-commerce is fully part of the consumer shopping experience, revolutionizing the way consumers and businesses interact and bringing them closer than ever. When purchasing online, EU consumers expect products and services to comply with EU law and adhere to fair trade practices, therefore they have a legitimate expectation of quality and durability.

In 2013, the European Commission proposed to update the Air Passenger Rights Regulation, a 2004 Regulation giving important rights to passengers when flights are cancelled or delayed. However, since then the file has been blocked in the Council of the European Union. The proposal is now back on the negotiating table, in need of a revamp.