New Regulations on App Design and Online Fraud for Digital Platforms

數位平台 App 設計與網路詐騙的新法規

Jul 10, 2026, 19:26
European UnionTechnology

Introduction

The European Union and the United Kingdom have started taking legal action against major tech companies to stop addictive app designs and the increase in fraudulent advertising.

歐盟與英國已開始對大型科技公司採取法律行動，以停止令人上癮的 App 設計並遏制詐騙廣告的增加。

Main Body

The European Commission has stated that Meta Platforms is breaking the Digital Services Act (DSA). The Commission argues that features like 'infinite scroll,' autoplay, and personalized recommendations cause users to use the apps compulsively. These design elements are seen as harmful to the mental and physical health of users, especially children. Furthermore, the Commission emphasized that Meta's current tools, such as parental controls, are not effective because they are too easy to ignore or too complicated to set up.

歐盟委員會表示 Meta Platforms 違反了《數位服務法》(DSA)。委員會認為，如「無限捲動」、自動播放和個人化推薦等功能，會導致使用者強迫性地使用 App。這些設計元素被視為對使用者，尤其是兒童的身心健康有害。此外，委員會強調 Meta 目前的工具（例如家長控制功能）並不有效，因為太容易被忽略或設定過於複雜。

In response, Meta disagreed with these findings and pointed to its 'Teen Accounts' as a way to give parents more control. However, the EU insists that the platforms must fundamentally change how they keep users engaged. If Meta does not comply, it could face fines of up to six percent of its global annual revenue. Meanwhile, an expert panel in the EU is discussing whether to restrict social media access for minors, similar to laws already in place in Australia.

對此，Meta 不同意這些調查結果，並指出其「青少年帳戶」是一種給予家長更多控制權的方法。然而，歐盟堅持平台必須從根本上改變維持使用者參與的方式。如果 Meta 不遵守，可能面臨高達全球年營收 6% 的罰款。與此同時，歐盟的專家小組正在討論是否限制未成年人使用社交媒體，類似於澳洲已實施的法律。

At the same time, the UK regulator, Ofcom, has proposed strict new rules under the Online Safety Act (OSA) to stop scam ads. These rules target 'Category 1' platforms, including Meta, X, and YouTube, and require them to block scam advertisers. The proposed plan requires financial ads to have legal clearance and asks platforms to help law enforcement. Companies that fail to follow these standards could be fined up to ten percent of their global revenue. Although consumer groups support these moves, some are concerned that the laws will not be fully enforced until 2027.

與此同時，英國監管機構 Ofcom 根據《網路安全法》(OSA) 提出了嚴格的新規定，以阻止詐騙廣告。這些規則針對「第一類」平台，包括 Meta、X 和 YouTube，並要求它們封鎖詐騙廣告商。擬議的計劃要求金融廣告必須獲得法律許可，並要求平台協助執法部門。未能遵守這些標準的公司，可能會被處以高達全球營收 10% 的罰款。儘管消費者團體支持這些舉措，但部分人士擔心這些法律在 2027 年之前不會被全面執行。

Conclusion

Global regulators are now focusing more on reducing the harms caused by algorithms and financial fraud by using heavy fines and forcing companies to change their designs.

全球監管機構現在更加關注透過高額罰款並強迫公司更改設計，以減少演算法和金融詐騙造成的傷害。

Vocabulary Learning

⚡ The 'Cause & Effect' Power-Up

To move from A2 to B2, you need to stop using 'and' and 'so' for everything. Look at how this text explains why things happen. It uses a sophisticated chain of logic that makes your English sound professional.

🛠 The Logic Bridge: "Cause →\rightarrow Result"

In the article, we see this specific pattern:

"...personalized recommendations cause users to use the apps compulsively."

At A2, you might say: "The app is addictive, so people use it a lot." At B2, you use Active Causation verbs.

Try these alternatives to "so":

  • Cause (verb): "Poor sleep causes low productivity."
  • Lead to (verb): "Infinite scroll leads to mental fatigue."
  • Result in (verb): "Breaking the law results in heavy fines."

🚩 Spotting 'The Contrast' (The B2 Flip)

Notice how the text shifts direction using However and Although. These are 'signal words' that tell the reader a contradiction is coming.

  1. The "However" Pivot: Meta says X →\rightarrow However, the EU says Y. (Use this to show two opposing sides of an argument.)

  2. The "Although" Buffer: "Although consumer groups support these moves, some are concerned..." (This is a B2 classic: you acknowledge one fact, but immediately introduce a problem.)

🧠 Vocabulary Upgrade: From 'Simple' to 'Specific'

Stop using general words like 'bad' or 'big'. The article uses Precision Nouns:

A2 Word (Basic)B2 Word (Precise)Context from Text
Bad thingsHarms"reducing the harms caused by algorithms"
Obey/DoComply"If Meta does not comply..."
RulesRegulations"New Regulations on App Design"
FakeFraudulent"increase in fraudulent advertising"

Vocabulary Learning

fraudulent (adj.)
obtained, done by, or involving deception, especially for financial gain
Example:The company was shut down after the government discovered it had been using fraudulent accounting methods.
compulsively (adv.)
doing something in a way that is difficult to stop or control
Example:Many people find themselves compulsively checking their phones for notifications every few minutes.
emphasized (v.)
gave special importance or prominence to something in speaking or writing
Example:The teacher emphasized the importance of reviewing the vocabulary before the final exam.
fundamentally (adv.)
in a way that affects the most basic or important part of something
Example:The new CEO believes that the company needs to fundamentally change its approach to customer service.
comply (v.)
to act in accordance with a wish, a rule, or a command
Example:All employees must comply with the safety regulations to avoid accidents in the workplace.
revenue (n.)
the total amount of income generated by the sale of goods or services
Example:The tech giant reported a significant increase in annual revenue due to its new subscription model.
restrict (v.)
to put a limit on something or keep it within certain bounds
Example:The new law aims to restrict the sale of sugary drinks to minors in school vending machines.
enforced (v.)
compelled observance of or compliance with a law, rule, or obligation
Example:The speed limit is strictly enforced in this residential area to ensure pedestrian safety.
Practice B2 words in a crossword→