The nudge unit tactics that were used are some of the least insidious nudges I can imagine. Texting me that I’m due to pay a bill, and before it becomes an offence? Thank you! Advertising is never this good. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Behavioural_Insights_Team

Sanctioning disability benefit recipients (causing many to commit suicide!) Thank you UK PLC !!11!

> Tasked by the Department of Work and Pensions to investigate the effectiveness of "sanctioning" recipients of disability benefits (punishing them with fines of up to three years ineligibility to benefits for supposed bad attitudes or non-compliance), the nudge unit noted that these methods were ineffective, but rather than recommending they be withdrawn, proposed changes which might make sanctions and benefit conditionality more effective

Nudge techniques like any tool can be used for good or bad. It doesn't inherently make the tool bad.

Of course they can be used for good or bad. So does heroin (which is fundamentally diamorphine and used medically). The issue is that nudge techniques as they are implemented on the web are overwhelmingly abusive.

For anything? Would you ban all advertising?

This regulation bans nudging towards a particular goal. That's something that can be legislated for (and would clearly include advertising.)

Of course I would ban all advertising if it were up to me. There's no question about it.

I don't think banning all advertising is a good idea, there is some of it which is actually honest and useful.

A good 95%+ of them are a cancer upon society and even our planet though. I find it insane that we are told to behave as responsible consumers while there is a multibillion dollar industry which sole purpose is to change consumer's behavior.

> For anything? Would you ban all advertising?

Yes, 100%. Advertising is nothing but an unproductive arms race for who can deliver the biggest assault on your mind and your attention. Your life would be better, and all your products cheaper too.