Strict EU scrutiny of online shopping: 6% fines on companies on the agenda

The European Union is preparing new rules to ban misleading online sales practices, including making it easier to cancel digital subscriptions and requiring social media influencers to disclose advertisements. Companies that violate the rules could face fines of up to 6% of their global annual turnover. The proposal targets consumer protection in e-commerce, where confusing cancellation processes and undisclosed paid promotions have drawn regulatory scrutiny. The plan adds to a broader EU push to tighten oversight of digital platforms and online marketplaces. Watch for negotiations among member states and the European Parliament, which will determine the final scope and penalty regime.