Michael McGrath has promised a Digital Fairness Act if he is confirmed as European Commissioner.
His three-hour grilling in the European Parliament is underway in Brussels this morning. MEPs are scrutinising his suitability for the job of European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice and Rule of Law.
His responsibilities – if confirmed in the post – will include consumer protection, data protection and fundamental rights.
Giving his opening pitch in the last few minutes, Michael McGrath promised a new law to reassure consumers and better protect children online.
“For consumers to trust the market, they need to know that their rights are respected. Also when they buy or navigate online. And that is why I will take forward a Digital Fairness Act to reinforce consumer protection in targeted areas to complement the existing EU digital rulebook”, he told MEPs.
“I want to make sure that consumers are not exploited for commercial purposes, that social media influencers are not misleading our consumers and that our children are sufficiently protected online. I will address dark patterns marketing by social media influencers, addictive design of digital products and unfair personalisation practices, and working with colleagues, the protection of minors from harmful content and practices will be a priority.”
The newly created portfolio for Democracy, Justice and Rule of Law is broader than that of the previous Justice Commissioner.
An analysis by the European Parliament’s internal think tank, concludes that McGrath, if confirmed, will need to cover democracy and fundamental rights as well as rule of law, judicial co-operation, consumer protection and data protection.