United States of America: Introduced DETOUR (Deceptive Experiences to Online Users Reduction) Act (S 2708)

On 27 July 2023, the DETOUR (Deceptive Experiences to Online Users Reduction) Act was introduced into the 118th US Congress. The Act aims to prohibit the use of exploitative and deceptive practices by large online operators and promote transparency and consumer choice in the use of behavioural research. Online operators would be prohibited from designing, modifying, or manipulating user interfaces with the intent to obscure, subvert, or impair user autonomy or obtain consent or user data. If users have given consent, they must still have the option to opt out at a later point. Online operators cannot subdivide or segment users for behavioural or psychological research without obtaining the consent of each user involved. Also, children are protected from user interfaces which encourage compulsive usage. In addition, large online operators must establish independent review boards to oversee research and ensure compliance with the Act's requirements.