Current Proposal
Push the EU from addictive design rhetoric to enforceable user rights.
This campaign is not starting from zero. EU institutions already recognise addictive design as a public problem. The current gap is that users still do not have strong, enforceable tools to block or limit these systems on their own terms.
This page is the short public summary. The working paper is the longer research draft with the legal structure, precedents, objections, and source backbone behind it.
The baseline ask
The EU should enforce existing law aggressively against addictive design, especially where platforms use autoplay, infinite scroll, manipulative notifications, or similar features to keep people engaged against their own stated interests.
The stronger ask
The EU should require platforms to provide effective user-controlled lockout rights, not cosmetic wellness settings. These rights should be hard to bypass and legally enforceable.
Full self-exclusion
Let users block themselves from a platform completely for a chosen period, with the platform legally required to respect it.
Scheduled lockout windows
Let users set rules such as no access between 10PM and 8AM, or no access during work or study hours.
Feature-level controls
Let users disable autoplay, infinite feed behaviour, recommendations, reels, push notifications, streaks, and similar engagement mechanics without losing access to everything else.
Meaningful defaults
If the current legal framework is too weak, the EU should create explicit rights against addictive design and require safer defaults.
Phase one
- Collect stories and evidence from people affected by compulsive scrolling and sleep disruption.
- Pressure-test the legal ask with people who understand EU policy, platform design, and consumer protection.
- Build an email list and cross-country network strong enough to support a serious EU campaign.
Possible later path
- Push for tougher DSA enforcement and clearer Commission action.
- Engage MEPs and policy teams already working on addictive design and online platform regulation.
- If the network is strong enough, evaluate a future European Citizens’ Initiative with organisers in at least seven EU countries.
Next step
Improve this proposal in public.
The proposal is intentionally early. The point is to make it stronger with better evidence, better legal thinking, and sharper demands.