European consumers and digital rights advocates are escalating their concerns over what they describe as the declining quality of online services, a phenomenon increasingly referred to as “digital enshittification.” A coalition of groups from across Europe and the United States has sent a letter to policymakers in the European Union, the European Economic Area, the UK, and the US, urging them to address the growing concentration of power within digital markets and enforce existing regulations.
The push for intervention is spearheaded by Forbrukerrådet, the Norwegian Consumer Council, which has been vocal about the deteriorating user experience across various platforms. The term “enshittification,” popularized by writer Cory Doctorow, describes a cycle where online services initially focus on attracting users, then satisfying businesses, and ultimately prioritizing profit at the expense of both, leading to a degraded experience for everyone involved.
The letter details concerns about the lack of alternatives in digital markets, a perceived push for deregulation, and the critical require for robust enforcement of digital laws to safeguard fundamental rights and foster competition and innovation. Advocates argue that current regulations are insufficient to address the rapid changes in the digital landscape and the increasing dominance of a few large tech companies.
Cory Doctorow, a signatory of the letter and a long-time advocate for digital rights, has extensively written about the dangers of unchecked corporate power in the digital realm. He argues that the current trajectory leads to a situation where platforms become less useful and more exploitative over time. Doctorow’s work highlights the importance of user agency and the need for policies that prioritize the public interest over corporate profits. His insights have become central to the discussion surrounding digital enshittification.
What is “Digital Enshittification”?
The concept of “digital enshittification” – a term gaining traction among tech critics – describes a predictable pattern in the lifecycle of online platforms. Initially, a platform will attract users by offering a valuable service. As the user base grows, the platform begins to cater to businesses, often through advertising or data collection. Finally, the platform prioritizes its own profits, often by degrading the user experience through intrusive ads, reduced functionality, or changes to terms of service.
Forbrukerrådet’s concerns extend to the security and privacy implications of connected devices, as highlighted in a 2016 report detailing vulnerabilities in internet-connected toys like My Friend Cayla and i-Que. The report found these toys failed to adequately protect consumer rights, security, and privacy, demonstrating a broader pattern of disregard for user safety in the pursuit of profit.
EU Regulation and Data Protection Challenges
The call for action comes as the European Union continues to grapple with the complexities of regulating the digital space. Data protection remains a key concern, with ongoing debates about the effectiveness of current regulations. As Cory Doctorow pointed out in a 2013 article, the concept of “anonymized” data is often flawed, and seemingly anonymized datasets can often be re-identified. This underscores the need for stronger data protection measures and greater transparency from tech companies.
a recent report from Norway’s Forbrukerrådet, titled “Breaking Free: Pathways to a fair technological future,” details the extent of the problem and proposes potential solutions. The report emphasizes the need for greater market supervision and cooperation between authorities and consumer organizations to effectively protect EU consumers.
What’s Next?
The letter to policymakers represents a significant step in raising awareness about the issue of digital enshittification and demanding concrete action. The response from EU officials and lawmakers will be crucial in determining whether meaningful changes are implemented to address the concerns raised by consumer advocates. The debate over digital regulation is likely to intensify as policymakers seek to balance innovation with the need to protect consumers and promote fair competition.
What are your experiences with declining service quality on your favorite platforms? Share your thoughts in the comments below and help us continue the conversation.
