Digital Fairness Act Roundtable: Insights from Industry and Policy Experts

On 11 December 2025, we hosted a roundtable discussion titled “Too fair or too far? The age of the Digital Fairness Act”, bringing together experts from academia, industry, and advocacy to explore the implications of the European Commission’s forthcoming legislative proposal.

The Digital Fairness Act is expected to address existing gaps in the EU’s digital policy landscape, with particular attention to targeted advertising, addictive design practices, and dark patterns. These practices have raised increasing concerns around consumer protection, user autonomy, and ethical standards in digital environments.

During the discussion, participants considered how to strike the right balance between safeguarding consumers and ensuring that new regulations do not inhibit innovation, particularly among startups and smaller businesses. The conversation reflected a shared understanding that well-intentioned regulation must also be practical, proportionate, and supportive of Europe’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

We are grateful to our distinguished speakers for sharing their insights and expertise:

• Alexandre de Streel, Academic Director, Centre on Regulation in Europe (CERRE); Professor, Université de Namur

• Inés Talavera de la Esperanza, Digital Public Policy Manager and Sustainability Regulatory Lead, IAB Europe

• Peter Kofler, Chairman, Danske Iværksættere – Danish Entrepreneurs

• Daniel Dalton, Senior Advisor, Allied for Startups (moderator)

Looking ahead, it is clear that the success of digital regulation in Europe will depend on its ability to reflect the diversity of the digital economy. Simplified and targeted rules, tailored to the unique challenges faced by smaller businesses, are essential. Equally important is the continued engagement of all stakeholders—regulators, consumers, and industry – in shaping policy that is both fair and forward-looking.