On May 30, Guangdong Consumer Commission released the 2022 survey report on the impact of Internet pop-up information on consumers (hereinafter referred to as the "report") The report shows that nearly 80% of the respondents said in the survey that they often encounter pop-up messages (hereinafter referred to as "pop ups") and are deeply troubled
Frequent pop ups, difficult to close and other problems are common
In recent years, with the development of the Internet, a large number of pop-up windows frequently jump out and are difficult to close when consumers surf the Internet; Some pop-up, embedded and screen opening messages are vulgar, exaggerated and false propaganda, which not only disturbs the order of the Internet market, but also infringes upon the legitimate rights and interests of consumers. Guangdong Provincial Consumer Council carried out a survey on the impact of Internet pop-up information on consumers. In combination with the questionnaire survey, it completed an experience survey on 65 websites (of which 35 market entities are within the jurisdiction of Guangdong), 12 computer software (including 10 mainstream browser software) and 100 apps.
The survey results show that consumers generally encounter problems such as frequent pop-up windows and difficult closing. Nearly 80% of the respondents said that they often encounter problems such as difficult pop-up window closing, frequent occurrence, false and vulgar content, etc. Some respondents reported that the "close" sign of the pop-up information was not clear / significant (36%), it could not be closed until the countdown was over (35%), there were multiple "close" buttons (33%), it could be closed only after multiple clicks (31%), and there was no "close" sign (28%).
Some respondents reported that on the same page, the pop-up window continued to pop up after closing (33%), the number of one-time pop ups was too much (32%), the position could not be moved or the size of the pop-up window was too large (30%). In addition, the pop-up information contains false propaganda (35%), deceptive ways to induce people to click on the pop-up information (34%), and vulgar content (31%).
Mango TV and other pop-up windows induce click by winning prizes
It is found that some pop-up windows induce clicking and affect normal use. For example, volunteers conducted an experiential survey of 177 websites, computer software and apps, and found that 51 of them had pop-up problems. Among them, mango TV, MI Du novel, mm app store and interesting headlines pop up windows to attract consumers to click with information such as discounts and winning prizes, which is suspected of cheating and misleading users.
A pop-up window suspected of inducing users to click by cheating or misleading. It is also a big problem that the messenger cannot "close" the map with one button. The survey found that the pop-up windows of the three websites of Tuba rabbit, 58 Tongcheng and baobabu tree did not close; The pop-up windows of cheetah game center and baobab tree can only be closed after the countdown; The closing of a single pop-up window of the quick information website requires more than two clicks; Sina website continues to pop up after closing the pop-up window in the process of the same page; 2345 browser app pop-up shows multiple closing signs.
Recommendations:
The Provincial Consumer Council pointed out that due to the large amount and wide range of Internet advertising (information), it is ubiquitous in the online world, coupled with the rapid update and iteration of Internet technology and many changes in the industry ecology, it is difficult to find the problem pop-up information, which makes it difficult for supervision and governance. The following suggestions are put forward:
(1) Clarify the regulatory standards and strengthen the implementation of responsibilities.
(2) We will strengthen coordinated supervision and promote social co governance. Make good use of the technical power of the Internet itself, establish and improve the Internet pop-up information intelligent monitoring platform integrating automatic monitoring, automatic analysis, automatic forensics and other technologies. As consumers are direct contacts of the Internet, the regulatory authorities can use information-based means to establish smooth and convenient complaint reporting channels to facilitate consumers to reflect problems and participate in regulatory governance.
(3) Strengthen industry self-discipline and strengthen enterprise autonomy. On the one hand, play the role of industry organizations. It is suggested that the industry association formulate more detailed rules for the release of Internet pop-up information, including advertising content, size, quantity, location, etc., and provide industry standards; On the other hand, promote the platform to implement the main responsibility, and strengthen the review and control of the content of Internet pop-up information.
(4) Strengthen consumption guidance and raise awareness of vigilance. Remind consumers to download the software through official channels as much as possible, pay attention to the tips of the software when using it, and prevent being induced to click the pop-up information or install unnecessary software; Not credulous or easy to click on the information prompt contents containing discounts, winning prizes or red envelopes, so as to prevent the automatic downloading of software or falling into the pop-up information trap of Internet problems; Choose regular consumption channels, do not consume through unfamiliar links at will, and save consumption vouchers after shopping. In case of "violent pop-up" that cannot be closed and pop-up information with false, deceptive and bad content, take the initiative to complain and report to the publishing platform or through the 12321 network bad and garbage information reporting and acceptance platform.