The Transparent Trap: A Multidisciplinary Perspective on the Design of Transparent Online Disclosures in the EU
Seizov, O., Wulf, A. J. & Luzak, J., "The Transparent Trap. Analyzing Transparency in Information Obligations from a Multidisciplinary Empirical Perspective", Journal of Consumer Policy, 42, 2019 (1), 149-173.
57 Pages Posted: 18 Mar 2020
Date Written: January 1, 2019
Abstract
In its drive to prevent market failures and safeguard consumers, the European legislator has embraced the information approach. In the context of online trade, this requires online traders to disclose ever-growing amounts of information to consumers regarding contract terms, the handling of their personal information, and the use of cookies on the trader’s website, to name just a few of the areas involved. Nevertheless, whilst adopting substantive information obligations for traders, the European legislator still tends to disregard scholarship on effective information design. This paper recommends empirically tested, interdisciplinary criteria for the design of effective disclosures online, with a focus on their application in the EU. Without clear guidance as to how disclosures should be formulated, traders are left open to accidental or purposeful obfuscation.
Keywords: transparency, information obligations, online communication, consumer protection, information design.
JEL Classification: K12
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation