Europe’s major broadcasters and media organisations have urged the European Union to ensure that a proposed law aimed at tackling unfair digital practices targets Big Tech platforms rather than already regulated media houses.
The warning comes ahead of the planned introduction of the Digital Fairness Act, which is expected to be formally proposed by the EU’s Justice Commissioner, Michael McGrath, later this year.
The legislation seeks to address issues such as “dark patterns” in online design, addictive digital interfaces, misleading influencer advertising, pricing practices, and subscription traps.
However, leading industry groups, including the Association of Commercial Television and Video on Demand Services in Europe (ACT), say the proposed rules risk applying a blanket approach that could harm traditional media businesses.
Members of the ACT include major broadcasters and streaming platforms such as Canal+, RTL, Mediaset, ITV, Paramount+, NBCUniversal, Disney, Warner Bros. Discovery, Sky, and TF1.
In a letter to EU officials, the group warned that the legislation could impose the same obligations on very different types of digital actors without properly accounting for differences in risk, function, or market power.
They argue that broadcasters and publishers already operate under strict regulatory and editorial standards and should not be treated in the same way as largely unregulated digital platforms.
The groups further cautioned that some commonly used digital features—including autoplay, algorithmic recommendations and personalised advertising—are not inherently harmful and remain vital revenue sources for media organisations.
They are calling for a more targeted and evidence-based approach that focuses on high-risk digital practices rather than sectors that already face strong oversight.
The European Commission has yet to respond to the concerns raised by industry stakeholders.
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