A chronological overview -digital download copy
AI-driven deceptive monetisation strategies have developed quickly, prompting a societal concern about ethical boundaries and regulatory gaps. Results from early research studies focused on the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in business operations, such as supply chains and marketing. This primary research is presented in chronological order, giving accounts of academic studies done thus far from recent publications, events, and developments from mix-methods of quantitative document analysis and qualitative content analysis.
The EU AI Act, which forbids manipulative practices and permits improved governance, represents a step forward in tackling AI-driven deceptive monetisation in UX/CX designs. However, obstacles like fragmentation, detection difficulties, and inconsistent enforcement limits its efficacy. Harmonised regulations and cross-border collaboration are necessary to maximise impact while striking a balance between consumer protection and innovation. Continuous assessment is required as AI develops as mandated by 2029 -will be crucial to close gaps and promote trustworthy designs.
When it comes to using AI to combat deceptive monetisation, SMEs face blind spots such as a lack of resources and expertise. However, scalable solution, such as training (which is another existing gap) and phased frameworks, offer practical solutions. Using evolving regulations, small businesses can boost sustainability, trust, and responsible innovation.
Providing summaries of opposing theories or models throughout a historical sequence of milestones, and highlighting how companies exploit users through deceptive practices and amplifying inconsistencies in how laws are enforced, key frameworks used for regulations, and obstacles that hinder stronger oversight on issues such as dark patterns in monetisation, disparities in enforcement among jurisdictions, current regulations (such as the EU GDPR or FTC guidelines), enforcement failures, and systemic barriers like lobbying or resource shortages that prevent effective reforms in industries like tech, e-commerce, and finance, including also key obstacles like political opposition or technological complexity.
While the findings within this report (46 pages) does not suggest that regulators are to blame for the inconsistent enforcement efforts, it does highlight concerns about how deceptive monetisation can flourish in the presence of regulatory gaps and weak enforcement. As a result, it advocates for reform and calls for action.
