Norway's Consumer Council Calls for Right to Repair and Antitrust Enforcement - and Mocks 'Enshittification'

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by EditorDavid

March 2, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The Norwegian Consumer Council has released a report highlighting the growing trend of "enshittification" in digital services, where products and services are becoming increasingly worse over time. To combat this issue, the council has called for stronger consumer rights, including the ability to control, adapt, repair, and alter digital products and services. The organization also emphasizes the importance of interoperability, data portability, and decentralization, which would make it easier for consumers to switch services without facing significant barriers. Additionally, the report advocates for stricter antitrust enforcement to prevent Big Tech companies from dominating markets through acquisitions or unfair practices. These recommendations aim to create a more competitive and consumer-friendly digital landscape. The council has also produced a humorous four-minute video to illustrate the problem, humorously depicting a man whose calls are being routed through increasingly frustrating systems. The video concludes with a hopeful message: "It's not just your imagination. Digital services are getting worse—but it doesn’t have to be this way." This approach is part of their broader effort to raise awareness and encourage action. To support these goals, the Norwegian Consumer Council is collaborating with 58 organizations and experts in a letter urging the Norwegian government to prioritize open-source initiatives and reduce reliance on big tech. Similar letters are being sent by sister organizations to governments in 12 countries. Furthermore, the council has joined forces with 29 civil society groups, including the EFF and Amnesty International, to send a second letter to the European Commission. This letter emphasizes the importance of preventing deregulation and reducing dependency on major tech companies to ensure a fairer and more competitive market. The report underscores the growing concern over the monopolistic practices of Big Tech and their impact on consumers and small businesses. By advocating for stronger consumer rights, interoperability, and antitrust enforcement, the Norwegian Consumer Council is joining a global movement to address these issues. Their efforts highlight the importance of collaboration between governments, organizations, and citizens to create a digital ecosystem that prioritizes fairness, competition, and user

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Originally published on Slashdot on 3/2/2026