Online Choice Architecture: How digital design can harm competition and consumers 2022 (CMA)

A research paper from the CMA

• From: Competition and Markets Authority
• Published: 2 September 2022

• Category: Ad hoc research
• Original publisher: Competition and Markets Authority
• Research area: Future connectivity and internet, Technology
• Research topic: Digital economy, Personalisation algorithm, Safety and harms
• Research publish date: 5 May 2022

Abstract

This discussion paper provides a valuable and timely overarching review of, and contributes to enhancing our understanding of the potential harm that can arise from online choice architecture.

It not only considers the direct harm to consumers from making suboptimal choices, but also the indirect consumer detriment that can arise via the impact of distorted consumer choice on the nature and extent of competition in markets. Multiple examples from UK and international case experience bring these issues alive.

Citation

CMA, Online Choice Architecture: How digital design can harm competition and consumers (2022) [online] Available at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1066524/Online_choice_architecture_discussion_paper.pdf [Accessed on 1 September 2022]

Link

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/online-choice-architecture-how-digital-design-can-harm-competition-and-consumers

Published 2 September 2022