Share this @internewscast.com
Dodgy business practices that trap consumers into hard-to-escape subscriptions or hit shoppers with hidden fees are a step closer to being weeded out.
Legislation outlawing the manipulative tactics known as drip pricing and subscription traps will be introduced by the end of next year, the federal government has announced as it ramps up efforts to prevent consumers from being ripped off.
In recent years, firms have increasingly used “dark patterns” in online shopping to benefit themselves at the expense of consumer understanding, Assistant Minister for Competition Andrew Leigh will say in a speech in Canberra on Monday.
By tweaking digital user interfaces, hiding essential information in places shoppers rarely look, and exploiting increased understanding of consumer behaviour, businesses have tilted the market against consumers.

“The outcome was an environment where consumers were not merely making choices but were being guided,” he is expected to state.

Plans to draft new legislation will commence in early 2026, targeting a ban on unfair trading practices that negatively impact consumers by manipulating or distorting their decision-making processes.

Additionally, companies will be mandated to reveal all unavoidable fees at the beginning of a transaction. This measure aims to simplify the process for consumers to compare options for purchases, such as concert or airline tickets, before additional costs like booking and baggage fees unexpectedly increase the final price.

Research estimates Australians are losing $46 million each year as a result of subscription traps.
To level the playing field, businesses will be required to disclose key terms before sign-up, provide timely reminders at critical points and make it as easy to walk out of a subscription as it is to sign up.

“In the realm of food production, there have been reports of retailers threatening to remove suppliers from their lists as retaliation for pursuing price increases that they are contractually allowed to request.”

As part of the changes, the government will seek to expand consumer protections to small businesses to shield them from unfair conduct by larger firms.
“In construction, we have heard complaints that large businesses discourage smaller businesses from exercising their legal rights by ominously suggesting adverse commercial consequences,” Leigh will say.

LISTEN TO

Leigh’s missive comes as the Black Friday-Cyber Monday shopping bonanza, during which businesses try to lock shoppers into subscriptions with enticing discounts, draws to a close.
The Australian Retailers Association expects Australians to spend a record $6.8 billion over the four-day sales period — an increase of 4 per cent from 2024.
The shopping fixture has grown in importance for retailers in recent years, with data showing households are increasingly putting off spending during the rest of the year.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Heatwave and beach NH.

Sydney Sizzles: Survive the Scorching 40°C+ Heatwave Sweeping the City

Temperatures topped 40 degrees in parts of Sydney today as a major…
Cleanup workers are seen undertaking maintenance on a sewage pipe in Wentworth Park.

Urgent Alert: Leaking Pipe Poses Imminent Sewage Threat to Sydney Harbour’s Pristine Waters

A significant environmental threat looms over Sydney Harbour as a damaged underground…

US Highlights Strategic Opportunities to Fortify AUKUS Alliance Post Comprehensive Five-Month Review

The United States has endorsed the AUKUS security pact between Australia, the…
Aussies paying more for private health insurance and getting less

Australians Face Rising Costs and Diminishing Returns in Private Health Insurance

Australians are currently experiencing increased costs for private health insurance while receiving…
The 39-year-old, known as Chrissy, was killed after being attacked by her dog Dexter on Murphy Crescent in Whyalla Stuart after 4pm yesterday.

South Australian Community Mourns Woman Tragically Killed by Pet Dog in Her Home

A tragic incident unfolded north-west of Adelaide, where a woman lost her…

Why Vincent Tarzia Called It Quits: The Untold Story Behind South Australia’s Most Challenging Political Role

Vincent Tarzia has quit as South Australia’s Liberal leader, little more than…

Trump Administration Urges Strategic Shift: Cultivating European Resistance to Current Policies

The United States will reassert its dominance in the Western hemisphere, build…
Netflix to acquire Warner Bros studio and streaming business for $72 billion

Netflix Set to Purchase Warner Bros Studio and Streaming Services in $72 Billion Deal

In a landmark move, Netflix has reached an agreement with Warner Bros…
A boat shortly before it is hit by a strike on September 2.

Controversial Double-Tap Strike: Boat’s Destination Clarified Amidst US Speculation

Intelligence gathered by US forces suggests that a targeted boat was intending…
Buladelah bushfire warnings

Firefighters Battle Fierce Blaze on NSW Mid North Coast: Urgent Efforts to Control Rampant Wildfire

Firefighters are battling a significant bushfire on the Mid North Coast of…
Children suffer burns on waterslide at NZ daycare after chemical 'mix-up'

Chemical Mishap at NZ Daycare: Children Sustain Burns on Waterslide

Several children have sustained “significant injuries” after a hazardous substance was mistakenly…
Suspected human remains found on NSW beach after swimmer's disappearance

Possible Human Remains Discovered on NSW Beach Amid Swimmer’s Disappearance Investigation

Authorities have discovered what are suspected to be human remains following the…