TACD joins leading consumer and digital rights organizations from across Europe in calling on EU institutions to rebalance the power between consumers, Big Tech, and alternative service providers. Much of what is needed to prevent the concentration of digital markets and entrenchment of Big Tech’s power already exists, but laws must be enforced and policies must become practice.

This call follows the publication of a new report, “Breaking Free: Pathways to a fair technological future” by TACD member Forbrukerrådet (the Norwegian Consumer Council). The report shows how the phenomenon of ‘enshittification‘ (coined by Cory Doctorow) affects both consumers and society at large, but that it is possible to turn the tide.

For a digital world that works for consumers rather than against them, decision-makers should:

1. Rebalance powers between service providers and consumers;
2. Tackle dependency on Big Tech;
3. Double down on the enforcement of existing laws;
4. Close the existing legal loopholes by adopting a strong Digital Fairness Act.