UK Bans Fake Reviews and Sneaky Fees for Online Products
Discover how the UK's new Digital Markets Act targets fake reviews and hidden fees, ensuring online shoppers get transparent pricing.
Matilda
UK Bans Fake Reviews and Sneaky Fees for Online Products
As a consumer, nothing feels worse than being hit with unexpected fees when checking out online or discovering fake reviews that mislead you into buying a product. Well, the UK has taken a major step to eliminate these issues with new legislation that went into effect on April 6, 2025. Under the Digital Markets, Competition, and Consumer Act 2024, online platforms are now required to be upfront about hidden charges, and businesses can no longer use fake reviews to boost their ratings. This new law brings an end to the dreaded "dripped pricing" and holds businesses accountable for misleading practices. Image:Google What Is Dripped Pricing and How Does It Affect You? Dripped pricing is a practice where online platforms add additional fees, like service or admin charges, during the checkout process, leaving shoppers shocked when they reach the final price. This tactic is now banned in the UK. Online services, including food delivery and ticket booking platforms, must include all m…