Dark pattern - Revision history

Rudxain: mention PUP in Sneaking section

2026-04-22T17:10:54Z

mention PUP in Sneaking section

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:10, 22 April 2026
Line 26:		Line 26:

	===Sneaking and information hiding===		===Sneaking and information hiding===
	These practices involve concealing or obscuring material information from users. Hidden costs reveal unexpected fees only at checkout, a practice employed by ticketing platforms. Drip pricing advertises only part of a product's total price initially and then imposes other mandatory charges later.<ref name=":0" />		These practices involve concealing or obscuring material information from users, such as

			* Hidden costs reveal unexpected fees only at checkout, a practice employed by ticketing platforms
			* Drip pricing advertises only part of a product's total price initially and then imposes other mandatory charges later<ref name=":0" />
			* Checking a box by default that installs [[Bloatware\|potentially-unwanted software]], such as an "anti-virus" that's actually [[spyware]] or a [[wikipedia:Cryptocurrency#Mining\|crypto-miner]]

	===Social proof and urgency===		===Social proof and urgency===

Arren1217: /* Impact on consumers and businesses */ rewrote entire section to not use any AI, might need some touching up as im making this edit very late at night

2026-04-12T06:23:22Z

Impact on consumers and businesses: rewrote entire section to not use any AI, might need some touching up as im making this edit very late at night

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:23, 12 April 2026
Line 70:		Line 70:

	==Impact on consumers and businesses==		==Impact on consumers and businesses==
	~~''Editor note: This entire section reads as LLM.''~~
	===Consumer harms===		===Consumer harms===
	~~Dark patterns create multiple forms of harm for~~ consumers, ~~ranging from~~ financial ~~losses to~~ privacy ~~violations~~ and emotional distress. ~~Privacy harms occur when users are manipulated~~ into ~~sharing more personal data than~~ they ~~intended~~. ~~Emotional~~ and ~~psychological harms include frustration~~, ~~stress~~, and ~~feelings of betrayal~~.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":11" />		A dark pattern is harmful to consumers in many ways, often leading to financial loss, violations of privacy, and emotional distress.

			Dark patterns could manipulate consumers financially by faking urgency, importance, scarcity, and sales to trick them into making purchases they might not have made if they were able to make a properly informed decision.

			They could also be used violate the consumers privacy by hiding information on what data a service collects and how that data is used, and hiding or excluding options to stop data collection or delete already collected data.

			The above examples of how consumers may be affected are often combined with or directly involve dark patterns that cause emotional distress, often attempting to frustrate the consumer enough to accept what patterns are being used against them, and stop looking for any in-site settings or other methods to bypass the patterns.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":11" />

	~~Vulnerable groups~~ are ~~disproportionately affected. "People~~ with ~~low digital literacy, cognitive impairments~~, or disabilities ~~often struggle to recognize manipulative designs~~."		The most vulnerable consumers are those who are unfamiliar with computers and the internet, and those with mental or physical disabilities that impair them from either recognizing dark patterns or avoiding them if possible.

	===~~Business implications~~===		===Impact on businesses===
	~~While~~ dark patterns ~~may deliver short-term benefits~~, they ~~often create long-term risks for businesses~~. ~~The erosion of~~ consumer ~~trust can have lasting negative impacts on customer retention~~ and ~~brand reputation. Businesses also face increasing regulatory risks as enforcement actions become~~ more ~~common and severe~~.<ref name=":0" />		Dark patterns are often effective enough to be used by a wide range of businesses regardless of how successful they are. Even when consumers discover that a service they use contains dark patterns, they're highly unlikely to stop using the service or inform other users which in turn makes it highly unlikely a business will stop using dark patterns. Despite consumer backlash being unlikely to lead to any change, many dark patterns violate consumer protection laws and could lead to heavy lawsuits against businesses which are much more effective.<ref name=":0" />

	==Detection, avoidance and mitigation==		==Detection, avoidance and mitigation==
Line 99:		Line 104:

	===[[Carly]]===		===[[Carly]]===
	<gallery style="text-align:left" widths=250px>		<gallery style="text-align:left" widths="250px">
	File:MyCarly website cookies dark pattern.png\|alt=An example of MyCarly.com manipulating the user by minimizing the appearance of the "More" option while emphasizing only the "Accept" button.\|An example of manipulating the user by minimizing the noticeability of the "More" option while emphasizing only the "Accept" button.		File:MyCarly website cookies dark pattern.png\|alt=An example of MyCarly.com manipulating the user by minimizing the appearance of the "More" option while emphasizing only the "Accept" button.\|An example of manipulating the user by minimizing the noticeability of the "More" option while emphasizing only the "Accept" button.
	File:MyCarly website cookies 1.png\|alt=Diving deeper shows Marketing enabled by default and using a color to match the font text. The "Deny" option is dark text and uses a light-gray color border that is both harder to see and generally associated with denial of action.\|Diving deeper shows Marketing enabled by default and using a color to match the font text. The "Deny" option is dark text and uses a light-gray color border that is both harder to see and generally associated with denial of action.		File:MyCarly website cookies 1.png\|Diving deeper shows Marketing enabled by default and using a color to match the font text. The "Deny" option is dark text and uses a light-gray color border that is both harder to see and generally associated with denial of action.
	File:MyCarly website cookies 2.png\|alt=Mixpanel is labeled as "essential", but hidden within the collapsed section is an explanation that it's a tracker. MyCarly may genuinely consider it necessary, but a tracker is still a tracker. Google Tag Manager is also enabled by default, with the same issue as the previous image.\|Mixpanel is labeled as "essential", but hidden within the collapsed section is an explanation that it's a tracker. MyCarly may genuinely consider it necessary, but a tracker is still a tracker. Google Tag Manager is also enabled by default, with the same issue as the previous image.		File:MyCarly website cookies 2.png\|Mixpanel is labeled as "essential", but hidden within the collapsed section is an explanation that it's a tracker. MyCarly may genuinely consider it necessary, but a tracker is still a tracker. Google Tag Manager is also enabled by default, with the same issue as the previous image.
	</gallery>		</gallery>

	===[[The Economist]]===		===[[The Economist]]===
	<gallery style="text-align:left" widths=250px>		<gallery style="text-align:left" widths="250px">
	File:The Economist website cookies dark pattern.png~~\|alt=The message that appears on user's visit to the website. Cookie management is located closely above the bright Continue button.~~\|The message that appears on user's visit to the website. Cookie management is located closely above the bright Continue button.		File:The Economist website cookies dark pattern.png\|The message that appears on user's visit to the website. Cookie management is located closely above the bright Continue button.
	File:The Economist website cookies.png~~\|alt="Do not sell or share" is enabled by default, but comes with a disclaimer. (See file page for further notes.)~~\|"Do not sell or share" is enabled by default, but comes with a disclaimer. (See file page for further notes.)		File:The Economist website cookies.png\|"Do not sell or share" is enabled by default, but comes with a disclaimer. (See file page for further notes.)
	</gallery>		</gallery>

Sojourna: /* Gallery */ Break up into sub-sections, added two more images that should suffice for now.

2026-03-31T23:36:44Z

Gallery: Break up into sub-sections, added two more images that should suffice for now.

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:36, 31 March 2026
Line 97:		Line 97:
	==Gallery==		==Gallery==
	Examples of dark patterns, with notes.		Examples of dark patterns, with notes.

			===[[Carly]]===
	<gallery style="text-align:left" widths=250px>		<gallery style="text-align:left" widths=250px>
	File:MyCarly website cookies dark pattern.png\|alt=An example of MyCarly.com manipulating the user by minimizing the appearance of the "More" option while emphasizing only the "Accept" button.\|An example of manipulating the user by minimizing the noticeability of the "More" option while emphasizing only the "Accept" button.		File:MyCarly website cookies dark pattern.png\|alt=An example of MyCarly.com manipulating the user by minimizing the appearance of the "More" option while emphasizing only the "Accept" button.\|An example of manipulating the user by minimizing the noticeability of the "More" option while emphasizing only the "Accept" button.
	File:MyCarly website cookies 1.png\|alt=Diving deeper shows Marketing enabled by default and using a color to match the font text. The "Deny" option is dark text and uses a light-gray color border that is both harder to see and generally associated with denial of action.\|Diving deeper shows Marketing enabled by default and using a color to match the font text. The "Deny" option is dark text and uses a light-gray color border that is both harder to see and generally associated with denial of action.		File:MyCarly website cookies 1.png\|alt=Diving deeper shows Marketing enabled by default and using a color to match the font text. The "Deny" option is dark text and uses a light-gray color border that is both harder to see and generally associated with denial of action.\|Diving deeper shows Marketing enabled by default and using a color to match the font text. The "Deny" option is dark text and uses a light-gray color border that is both harder to see and generally associated with denial of action.
	File:MyCarly website cookies 2.png\|alt=Mixpanel is labeled as "essential", but hidden within the collapsed section is an explanation that it's a tracker. MyCarly may genuinely consider it necessary, but a tracker is still a tracker. Google Tag Manager is also enabled by default, with the same issue as the previous image.\|Mixpanel is labeled as "essential", but hidden within the collapsed section is an explanation that it's a tracker. MyCarly may genuinely consider it necessary, but a tracker is still a tracker. Google Tag Manager is also enabled by default, with the same issue as the previous image.		File:MyCarly website cookies 2.png\|alt=Mixpanel is labeled as "essential", but hidden within the collapsed section is an explanation that it's a tracker. MyCarly may genuinely consider it necessary, but a tracker is still a tracker. Google Tag Manager is also enabled by default, with the same issue as the previous image.\|Mixpanel is labeled as "essential", but hidden within the collapsed section is an explanation that it's a tracker. MyCarly may genuinely consider it necessary, but a tracker is still a tracker. Google Tag Manager is also enabled by default, with the same issue as the previous image.
			</gallery>

			===[[The Economist]]===
			<gallery style="text-align:left" widths=250px>
			File:The Economist website cookies dark pattern.png\|alt=The message that appears on user's visit to the website. Cookie management is located closely above the bright Continue button.\|The message that appears on user's visit to the website. Cookie management is located closely above the bright Continue button.
			File:The Economist website cookies.png\|alt="Do not sell or share" is enabled by default, but comes with a disclaimer. (See file page for further notes.)\|"Do not sell or share" is enabled by default, but comes with a disclaimer. (See file page for further notes.)
	</gallery>		</gallery>

Sojourna: /* Gallery */ Grammar.

2026-03-23T01:21:00Z

Gallery: Grammar.

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:21, 23 March 2026
Line 99:		Line 99:
	<gallery style="text-align:left" widths=250px>		<gallery style="text-align:left" widths=250px>
	File:MyCarly website cookies dark pattern.png\|alt=An example of MyCarly.com manipulating the user by minimizing the appearance of the "More" option while emphasizing only the "Accept" button.\|An example of manipulating the user by minimizing the noticeability of the "More" option while emphasizing only the "Accept" button.		File:MyCarly website cookies dark pattern.png\|alt=An example of MyCarly.com manipulating the user by minimizing the appearance of the "More" option while emphasizing only the "Accept" button.\|An example of manipulating the user by minimizing the noticeability of the "More" option while emphasizing only the "Accept" button.
	File:MyCarly website cookies 1.png\|alt=Diving deeper shows Marketing enabled by default and using a color to match the font text. The "Deny" option is dark text and ~~both~~ uses a light-gray color border that is harder to see and is generally associated with denial of action.\|Diving deeper shows Marketing enabled by default and using a color to match the font text. The "Deny" option is dark text and ~~both~~ uses a light-gray color border that is harder to see and is generally associated with denial of action.		File:MyCarly website cookies 1.png\|alt=Diving deeper shows Marketing enabled by default and using a color to match the font text. The "Deny" option is dark text and uses a light-gray color border that is both harder to see and generally associated with denial of action.\|Diving deeper shows Marketing enabled by default and using a color to match the font text. The "Deny" option is dark text and uses a light-gray color border that is both harder to see and generally associated with denial of action.
	File:MyCarly website cookies 2.png\|alt=Mixpanel is labeled as "essential", but hidden within the collapsed section is an explanation that it's a tracker. MyCarly may genuinely consider it necessary, but a tracker is still a tracker. Google Tag Manager is also enabled by default, with the same issue as the previous image.\|Mixpanel is labeled as "essential", but hidden within the collapsed section is an explanation that it's a tracker. MyCarly may genuinely consider it necessary, but a tracker is still a tracker. Google Tag Manager is also enabled by default, with the same issue as the previous image.		File:MyCarly website cookies 2.png\|alt=Mixpanel is labeled as "essential", but hidden within the collapsed section is an explanation that it's a tracker. MyCarly may genuinely consider it necessary, but a tracker is still a tracker. Google Tag Manager is also enabled by default, with the same issue as the previous image.\|Mixpanel is labeled as "essential", but hidden within the collapsed section is an explanation that it's a tracker. MyCarly may genuinely consider it necessary, but a tracker is still a tracker. Google Tag Manager is also enabled by default, with the same issue as the previous image.
	</gallery>		</gallery>

Sojourna: Clean-up, especially on bad ref links; pass on style; add example images. Tagging with SloppyAI, with notes for where the most problematic areas are.

2026-03-23T01:15:08Z

Clean-up, especially on bad ref links; pass on style; add example images. Tagging with SloppyAI, with notes for where the most problematic areas are.

Show changes

Rudxain: link Forced account

2026-03-16T10:16:45Z

link Forced account

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:16, 16 March 2026
Line 22:		Line 22:

	===Forced action===		===Forced action===
	These patterns require users to complete unnecessary actions to access desired functionality. Forced registration demands that users create an account to complete a task. Forced continuity involves automatically transitioning users from free trials to paid subscriptions without adequate notification. The FTC alleged that Adobe violated regulations by ''"tricking customers into enrolling in subscription plans without proper disclosure".''<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":8">{{cite web \|title=FTC Charges Adobe \|url=https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/06/ftc-charges-adobe-two-company-executives-hiding-early-termination-fees-making-it-difficult-cancel \|publisher=Federal Trade Commission \|date=June 17, 2024}}</ref>		These patterns require users to complete unnecessary actions to access desired functionality. [[Forced account\|Forced registration]] demands that users create an account to complete a task. Forced continuity involves automatically transitioning users from free trials to paid subscriptions without adequate notification. The FTC alleged that Adobe violated regulations by ''"tricking customers into enrolling in subscription plans without proper disclosure".''<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":8">{{cite web \|title=FTC Charges Adobe \|url=https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/06/ftc-charges-adobe-two-company-executives-hiding-early-termination-fees-making-it-difficult-cancel \|publisher=Federal Trade Commission \|date=June 17, 2024}}</ref>

	===Sneaking and information hiding===		===Sneaking and information hiding===

Rudxain: wanted: cookie

2026-02-26T06:49:49Z

wanted: cookie

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:49, 26 February 2026
Line 32:		Line 32:
	==Mind tricks and business incentives==		==Mind tricks and business incentives==
	===Cognitive biases exploitation===		===Cognitive biases exploitation===
	Dark patterns trick users by taking advantage of unconscious thoughts. For example, in cookie banners the "Accept All" option is the first option listed and uses a green background. People tend to choose the first option before considering others. Green is associated with good in design. In cookie banners, there is also a "Manage my choices" option that typically involves opting out of each data collection category or website one at a time. It is easier for users to accept all cookies than to decline them, due to using dark patterns.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Stroink-Skillrud \|first=Donata \|date=2023-02-02 \|title=Your Cookie Conset Banner is (Probably) Not Compliant \|url=https://mainwp.com/cookie-consent-banner-probably-not-compliant/ \|access-date=2025-11-08 \|website=MainWP Blog \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260216033732/https://mainwp.com/cookie-consent-banner-probably-not-compliant/ \|archive-date=16 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web \|last=Keyser \|first=Robert \|date=2023-10-05 \|title=Cookie Consent Dark Patterns: How to Identify and Fix Them \|url=https://www.ethyca.com/news/all-about-dark-patterns \|access-date=2025-08-11 \|website=Ethyca \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251212062415/https://www.ethyca.com/news/all-about-dark-patterns \|archive-date=12 Dec 2025}}</ref>		Dark patterns trick users by taking advantage of unconscious thoughts. For example, in [[Web_cookie\|cookie]] banners the "Accept All" option is the first option listed and uses a green background. People tend to choose the first option before considering others. Green is associated with good in design. In cookie banners, there is also a "Manage my choices" option that typically involves opting out of each data collection category or website one at a time. It is easier for users to accept all cookies than to decline them, due to using dark patterns.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Stroink-Skillrud \|first=Donata \|date=2023-02-02 \|title=Your Cookie Conset Banner is (Probably) Not Compliant \|url=https://mainwp.com/cookie-consent-banner-probably-not-compliant/ \|access-date=2025-11-08 \|website=MainWP Blog \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260216033732/https://mainwp.com/cookie-consent-banner-probably-not-compliant/ \|archive-date=16 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web \|last=Keyser \|first=Robert \|date=2023-10-05 \|title=Cookie Consent Dark Patterns: How to Identify and Fix Them \|url=https://www.ethyca.com/news/all-about-dark-patterns \|access-date=2025-08-11 \|website=Ethyca \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251212062415/https://www.ethyca.com/news/all-about-dark-patterns \|archive-date=12 Dec 2025}}</ref>

	===Incentives and short-term gains===		===Incentives and short-term gains===

Bananabot: Re-archived 1 citation(s) from archive.today to web.archive.org using CRWCitationBot

2026-02-22T21:51:50Z

Re-archived 1 citation(s) from archive.today to web.archive.org using CRWCitationBot

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:51, 22 February 2026
Line 1:		Line 1:
	{{Incomplete}}		{{Incomplete}}

	A [[wikipedia:Dark pattern\|dark pattern]] is a manipulative design practice that trick or influence users into making decisions that may not align with their true preferences or interests. These techniques exploit cognitive biases and behavioral psychology to benefit businesses, often at the expense of user autonomy. Initially coined by user experience (UX) designer Harry Brignull in 2010, the concept has evolved into a significant focus of regulatory scrutiny and academic research.<ref name=":0">{{cite web \|title=Bringing Dark Patterns to Light \|url=https://www.ftc.gov/reports/bringing-dark-patterns-light \|archive-date=~~September 16,~~ 2025 \|archive-url=https://~~archive~~.ph/~~TZ5v3~~ \|publisher=Federal Trade Commission \|date=September 2022}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{cite web \|last1=Brignull \|first1=Harry \|title=Dark Patterns: inside the interfaces designed to trick you \|url=https://www.deceptive.design/ \|archive-date= \|archive-url= \|website=Deceptive.Design}}</ref>		A [[wikipedia:Dark pattern\|dark pattern]] is a manipulative design practice that trick or influence users into making decisions that may not align with their true preferences or interests. These techniques exploit cognitive biases and behavioral psychology to benefit businesses, often at the expense of user autonomy. Initially coined by user experience (UX) designer Harry Brignull in 2010, the concept has evolved into a significant focus of regulatory scrutiny and academic research.<ref name=":0">{{cite web \|title=Bringing Dark Patterns to Light \|url=https://www.ftc.gov/reports/bringing-dark-patterns-light \|archive-date=9 Dec 2025\|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251209033209/https://www.ftc.gov/reports/bringing-dark-patterns-light \|publisher=Federal Trade Commission \|date=September 2022}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{cite web \|last1=Brignull \|first1=Harry \|title=Dark Patterns: inside the interfaces designed to trick you \|url=https://www.deceptive.design/ \|archive-date= \|archive-url= \|website=Deceptive.Design}}</ref>

	The prevalence of dark patterns is remarkably widespread, and they represent a growing concern in digital interfaces. A 2019 study examining 11,000 e-commerce websites found approximately 10% employed deceptive practices,<ref>{{Cite news \|last=Cimpanu \|first=Catalin \|date=2019-11-11 \|title=Study of over 11,000 online stores finds 'dark patterns' on 1,254 sites \|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/user-interface-dark-patterns-are-becoming-common-on-online-stores/ \|access-date=2025-11-08 \|work=ZDNET \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251114035001/https://www.zdnet.com/article/user-interface-dark-patterns-are-becoming-common-on-online-stores/ \|archive-date=14 Nov 2025}}</ref> while a 2022 European Commission report indicated that 97% of popular apps used by EU consumers displayed them.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Lupiáñez-Villanueva \|first=Francisco \|last2=Boluda \|first2=Alba \|last3=Bogliacino \|first3=Francesco \|last4=Liva \|first4=Giovanni \|last5=Lechardoy \|first5=Lucie \|last6=Ballell \|first6=Teresa Rodríguez de las Heras \|title=Behavioural study on unfair commercial practices in the digital environment \|url=https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/606365bc-d58b-11ec-a95f-01aa75ed71a1/language-en \|access-date=2025-11-08 \|website=Publications Office of the EU \|doi=10.2838/859030 \|isbn=978-92-76-52316-1 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260118190152/https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/606365bc-d58b-11ec-a95f-01aa75ed71a1/language-en \|archive-date=18 Jan 2026}}</ref>		The prevalence of dark patterns is remarkably widespread, and they represent a growing concern in digital interfaces. A 2019 study examining 11,000 e-commerce websites found approximately 10% employed deceptive practices,<ref>{{Cite news \|last=Cimpanu \|first=Catalin \|date=2019-11-11 \|title=Study of over 11,000 online stores finds 'dark patterns' on 1,254 sites \|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/user-interface-dark-patterns-are-becoming-common-on-online-stores/ \|access-date=2025-11-08 \|work=ZDNET \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251114035001/https://www.zdnet.com/article/user-interface-dark-patterns-are-becoming-common-on-online-stores/ \|archive-date=14 Nov 2025}}</ref> while a 2022 European Commission report indicated that 97% of popular apps used by EU consumers displayed them.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Lupiáñez-Villanueva \|first=Francisco \|last2=Boluda \|first2=Alba \|last3=Bogliacino \|first3=Francesco \|last4=Liva \|first4=Giovanni \|last5=Lechardoy \|first5=Lucie \|last6=Ballell \|first6=Teresa Rodríguez de las Heras \|title=Behavioural study on unfair commercial practices in the digital environment \|url=https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/606365bc-d58b-11ec-a95f-01aa75ed71a1/language-en \|access-date=2025-11-08 \|website=Publications Office of the EU \|doi=10.2838/859030 \|isbn=978-92-76-52316-1 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260118190152/https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/606365bc-d58b-11ec-a95f-01aa75ed71a1/language-en \|archive-date=18 Jan 2026}}</ref>

Banana: Added archive URLs for 10 citation(s) using CRWCitationBot

2026-02-16T03:39:15Z

Added archive URLs for 10 citation(s) using CRWCitationBot

2A00:23C8:2384:101:B34:3E7B:6AF4:18CF: punctuation fixes on credible sections

2025-11-08T17:21:17Z

punctuation fixes on credible sections

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:21, 8 November 2025
Line 6:		Line 6:

	==Definition and terminology==		==Definition and terminology==
	The term ''dark patterns'' was originally defined by Harry Brignull as ''"design tricks that manipulate users into taking actions they didn't intend to."'' The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) describes them as ''"design practices that trick or manipulate users into making choices they would not otherwise have made and that may cause harm."''<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />		The term ''dark patterns'' was originally defined by Harry Brignull as ''"design tricks that manipulate users into taking actions they didn't intend to".'' The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) describes them as ''"design practices that trick or manipulate users into making choices they would not otherwise have made and that may cause harm".''<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />

	There is ongoing discussion regarding the most appropriate terminology. Alternative labels include ''deceptive design'', ''manipulative UX'', ''coercive design'', or ''anti-patterns''. Some advocates argue for terms like ''deceptive patterns'' to more accurately describe the intentional nature of these designs and avoid potential racial connotations. Brignull himself has transitioned to using ''deceptive.design''.<ref name=":1" />		There is ongoing discussion regarding the most appropriate terminology. Alternative labels include ''deceptive design'', ''manipulative UX'', ''coercive design'', or ''anti-patterns''. Some advocates argue for terms like ''deceptive patterns'' to more accurately describe the intentional nature of these designs and avoid potential racial connotations. Brignull himself has transitioned to using ''deceptive.design''.<ref name=":1" />
Line 16:		Line 16:

	===Obstruction patterns===		===Obstruction patterns===
	These designs make desired actions (like rejecting tracking) significantly more difficult than accepting alternatives. A classic example is the ''Roach Motel'' pattern, where signing up for a service is straightforward but cancellation is excessively difficult. The FTC highlighted this pattern in their case against ABCmouse, where cancellation was made "extremely difficult" despite promising "Easy Cancellation."<ref>{{Cite web \|author=Keller and Heckman LLP \|date=2020-09-28 \|title=FTC Targets Negative Option Schemes in Two Multimillion Dollar Settlements \|url=https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=a2def591-a71f-477d-8f39-55f9b40ec125 \|access-date=2025-11-08 \|website=Lexology}}</ref>		These designs make desired actions (like rejecting tracking) significantly more difficult than accepting alternatives. A classic example is the ''Roach Motel'' pattern, where signing up for a service is straightforward but cancellation is excessively difficult. The FTC highlighted this pattern in their case against ABCmouse, where cancellation was made "extremely difficult" despite promising "Easy Cancellation".<ref>{{Cite web \|author=Keller and Heckman LLP \|date=2020-09-28 \|title=FTC Targets Negative Option Schemes in Two Multimillion Dollar Settlements \|url=https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=a2def591-a71f-477d-8f39-55f9b40ec125 \|access-date=2025-11-08 \|website=Lexology}}</ref>

	===Interface interference===		===Interface interference===
Line 22:		Line 22:

	===Forced action===		===Forced action===
	These patterns require users to complete unnecessary actions to access desired functionality. Forced registration demands that users create an account to complete a task. Forced continuity involves automatically transitioning users from free trials to paid subscriptions without adequate notification. The FTC alleged that Adobe violated regulations by ''"tricking customers into enrolling in subscription plans without proper disclosure."''<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":8">{{cite web \|title=FTC Charges Adobe \|url=https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/06/ftc-charges-adobe-two-company-executives-hiding-early-termination-fees-making-it-difficult-cancel \|publisher=Federal Trade Commission \|date=June 17, 2024}}</ref>		These patterns require users to complete unnecessary actions to access desired functionality. Forced registration demands that users create an account to complete a task. Forced continuity involves automatically transitioning users from free trials to paid subscriptions without adequate notification. The FTC alleged that Adobe violated regulations by ''"tricking customers into enrolling in subscription plans without proper disclosure".''<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":8">{{cite web \|title=FTC Charges Adobe \|url=https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/06/ftc-charges-adobe-two-company-executives-hiding-early-termination-fees-making-it-difficult-cancel \|publisher=Federal Trade Commission \|date=June 17, 2024}}</ref>

	===Sneaking and information hiding===		===Sneaking and information hiding===
Line 43:		Line 43:
	==Legal and regulatory landscape==		==Legal and regulatory landscape==
	===United States framework===		===United States framework===
	In the United States, regulation occurs primarily through existing consumer protection statutes . The FTC Act empowers the Federal Trade Commission to take action against "unfair or deceptive acts or practices in or affecting commerce."<ref name=":9">{{cite web \|title=FTC Act \|url=https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/statutes/federal-trade-commission-act \|publisher=Federal Trade Commission}}</ref>		In the United States, regulation occurs primarily through existing consumer protection statutes . The FTC Act empowers the Federal Trade Commission to take action against "unfair or deceptive acts or practices in or affecting commerce".<ref name=":9">{{cite web \|title=FTC Act \|url=https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/statutes/federal-trade-commission-act \|publisher=Federal Trade Commission}}</ref>

	In October 2024, the FTC amended its Negative Option Rule to include specific requirements for cancellation mechanisms, implementing a "Click-to-Cancel" provision.<ref name=":10">{{cite web \|title=FTC Strengthens Negative Option Rule \|url=https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/10/ftc-strengthens-rule-protect-consumers-deceptive-subscription-practices \|publisher=Federal Trade Commission \|date=October 11, 2024}}</ref>		In October 2024, the FTC amended its Negative Option Rule to include specific requirements for cancellation mechanisms, implementing a "Click-to-Cancel" provision.<ref name=":10">{{cite web \|title=FTC Strengthens Negative Option Rule \|url=https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/10/ftc-strengthens-rule-protect-consumers-deceptive-subscription-practices \|publisher=Federal Trade Commission \|date=October 11, 2024}}</ref>

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:39, 16 February 2026
Line 3:		Line 3:
	A [[wikipedia:Dark pattern\|dark pattern]] is a manipulative design practice that trick or influence users into making decisions that may not align with their true preferences or interests. These techniques exploit cognitive biases and behavioral psychology to benefit businesses, often at the expense of user autonomy. Initially coined by user experience (UX) designer Harry Brignull in 2010, the concept has evolved into a significant focus of regulatory scrutiny and academic research.<ref name=":0">{{cite web \|title=Bringing Dark Patterns to Light \|url=https://www.ftc.gov/reports/bringing-dark-patterns-light \|archive-date=September 16, 2025 \|archive-url=https://archive.ph/TZ5v3 \|publisher=Federal Trade Commission \|date=September 2022}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{cite web \|last1=Brignull \|first1=Harry \|title=Dark Patterns: inside the interfaces designed to trick you \|url=https://www.deceptive.design/ \|archive-date= \|archive-url= \|website=Deceptive.Design}}</ref>		A [[wikipedia:Dark pattern\|dark pattern]] is a manipulative design practice that trick or influence users into making decisions that may not align with their true preferences or interests. These techniques exploit cognitive biases and behavioral psychology to benefit businesses, often at the expense of user autonomy. Initially coined by user experience (UX) designer Harry Brignull in 2010, the concept has evolved into a significant focus of regulatory scrutiny and academic research.<ref name=":0">{{cite web \|title=Bringing Dark Patterns to Light \|url=https://www.ftc.gov/reports/bringing-dark-patterns-light \|archive-date=September 16, 2025 \|archive-url=https://archive.ph/TZ5v3 \|publisher=Federal Trade Commission \|date=September 2022}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{cite web \|last1=Brignull \|first1=Harry \|title=Dark Patterns: inside the interfaces designed to trick you \|url=https://www.deceptive.design/ \|archive-date= \|archive-url= \|website=Deceptive.Design}}</ref>

	The prevalence of dark patterns is remarkably widespread, and they represent a growing concern in digital interfaces. A 2019 study examining 11,000 e-commerce websites found approximately 10% employed deceptive practices,<ref>{{Cite news \|last=Cimpanu \|first=Catalin \|date=2019-11-11 \|title=Study of over 11,000 online stores finds 'dark patterns' on 1,254 sites \|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/user-interface-dark-patterns-are-becoming-common-on-online-stores/ \|access-date=2025-11-08 \|work=ZDNET}}</ref> while a 2022 European Commission report indicated that 97% of popular apps used by EU consumers displayed them.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Lupiáñez-Villanueva \|first=Francisco \|last2=Boluda \|first2=Alba \|last3=Bogliacino \|first3=Francesco \|last4=Liva \|first4=Giovanni \|last5=Lechardoy \|first5=Lucie \|last6=Ballell \|first6=Teresa Rodríguez de las Heras \|title=Behavioural study on unfair commercial practices in the digital environment \|url=https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/606365bc-d58b-11ec-a95f-01aa75ed71a1/language-en \|access-date=2025-11-08 \|website=Publications Office of the EU \|doi=10.2838/859030 \|isbn=978-92-76-52316-1}}</ref>		The prevalence of dark patterns is remarkably widespread, and they represent a growing concern in digital interfaces. A 2019 study examining 11,000 e-commerce websites found approximately 10% employed deceptive practices,<ref>{{Cite news \|last=Cimpanu \|first=Catalin \|date=2019-11-11 \|title=Study of over 11,000 online stores finds 'dark patterns' on 1,254 sites \|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/user-interface-dark-patterns-are-becoming-common-on-online-stores/ \|access-date=2025-11-08 \|work=ZDNET \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251114035001/https://www.zdnet.com/article/user-interface-dark-patterns-are-becoming-common-on-online-stores/ \|archive-date=14 Nov 2025}}</ref> while a 2022 European Commission report indicated that 97% of popular apps used by EU consumers displayed them.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Lupiáñez-Villanueva \|first=Francisco \|last2=Boluda \|first2=Alba \|last3=Bogliacino \|first3=Francesco \|last4=Liva \|first4=Giovanni \|last5=Lechardoy \|first5=Lucie \|last6=Ballell \|first6=Teresa Rodríguez de las Heras \|title=Behavioural study on unfair commercial practices in the digital environment \|url=https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/606365bc-d58b-11ec-a95f-01aa75ed71a1/language-en \|access-date=2025-11-08 \|website=Publications Office of the EU \|doi=10.2838/859030 \|isbn=978-92-76-52316-1 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260118190152/https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/606365bc-d58b-11ec-a95f-01aa75ed71a1/language-en \|archive-date=18 Jan 2026}}</ref>

	==Definition and terminology==		==Definition and terminology==
Line 16:		Line 16:

	===Obstruction patterns===		===Obstruction patterns===
	These designs make desired actions (like rejecting tracking) significantly more difficult than accepting alternatives. A classic example is the ''Roach Motel'' pattern, where signing up for a service is straightforward but cancellation is excessively difficult. The FTC highlighted this pattern in their case against ABCmouse, where cancellation was made "extremely difficult" despite promising "Easy Cancellation".<ref>{{Cite web \|author=Keller and Heckman LLP \|date=2020-09-28 \|title=FTC Targets Negative Option Schemes in Two Multimillion Dollar Settlements \|url=https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=a2def591-a71f-477d-8f39-55f9b40ec125 \|access-date=2025-11-08 \|website=Lexology}}</ref>		These designs make desired actions (like rejecting tracking) significantly more difficult than accepting alternatives. A classic example is the ''Roach Motel'' pattern, where signing up for a service is straightforward but cancellation is excessively difficult. The FTC highlighted this pattern in their case against ABCmouse, where cancellation was made "extremely difficult" despite promising "Easy Cancellation".<ref>{{Cite web \|author=Keller and Heckman LLP \|date=2020-09-28 \|title=FTC Targets Negative Option Schemes in Two Multimillion Dollar Settlements \|url=https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=a2def591-a71f-477d-8f39-55f9b40ec125 \|access-date=2025-11-08 \|website=Lexology \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251114165251/https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=a2def591-a71f-477d-8f39-55f9b40ec125 \|archive-date=14 Nov 2025}}</ref>

	===Interface interference===		===Interface interference===
Line 32:		Line 32:
	==Mind tricks and business incentives==		==Mind tricks and business incentives==
	===Cognitive biases exploitation===		===Cognitive biases exploitation===
	Dark patterns trick users by taking advantage of unconscious thoughts. For example, in cookie banners the "Accept All" option is the first option listed and uses a green background. People tend to choose the first option before considering others. Green is associated with good in design. In cookie banners, there is also a "Manage my choices" option that typically involves opting out of each data collection category or website one at a time. It is easier for users to accept all cookies than to decline them, due to using dark patterns.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Stroink-Skillrud \|first=Donata \|date=2023-02-02 \|title=Your Cookie Conset Banner is (Probably) Not Compliant \|url=https://mainwp.com/cookie-consent-banner-probably-not-compliant/ \|access-date=2025-11-08 \|website=MainWP Blog}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web \|last=Keyser \|first=Robert \|date=2023-10-05 \|title=Cookie Consent Dark Patterns: How to Identify and Fix Them \|url=https://www.ethyca.com/news/all-about-dark-patterns \|access-date=2025-08-11 \|website=Ethyca}}</ref>		Dark patterns trick users by taking advantage of unconscious thoughts. For example, in cookie banners the "Accept All" option is the first option listed and uses a green background. People tend to choose the first option before considering others. Green is associated with good in design. In cookie banners, there is also a "Manage my choices" option that typically involves opting out of each data collection category or website one at a time. It is easier for users to accept all cookies than to decline them, due to using dark patterns.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Stroink-Skillrud \|first=Donata \|date=2023-02-02 \|title=Your Cookie Conset Banner is (Probably) Not Compliant \|url=https://mainwp.com/cookie-consent-banner-probably-not-compliant/ \|access-date=2025-11-08 \|website=MainWP Blog \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260216033732/https://mainwp.com/cookie-consent-banner-probably-not-compliant/ \|archive-date=16 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web \|last=Keyser \|first=Robert \|date=2023-10-05 \|title=Cookie Consent Dark Patterns: How to Identify and Fix Them \|url=https://www.ethyca.com/news/all-about-dark-patterns \|access-date=2025-08-11 \|website=Ethyca \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251212062415/https://www.ethyca.com/news/all-about-dark-patterns \|archive-date=12 Dec 2025}}</ref>

	===Incentives and short-term gains===		===Incentives and short-term gains===
Line 43:		Line 43:
	==Legal and regulatory landscape==		==Legal and regulatory landscape==
	===United States framework===		===United States framework===
	In the United States, regulation occurs primarily through existing consumer protection statutes . The FTC Act empowers the Federal Trade Commission to take action against "unfair or deceptive acts or practices in or affecting commerce".<ref name=":9">{{cite web \|title=FTC Act \|url=https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/statutes/federal-trade-commission-act \|publisher=Federal Trade Commission}}</ref>		In the United States, regulation occurs primarily through existing consumer protection statutes . The FTC Act empowers the Federal Trade Commission to take action against "unfair or deceptive acts or practices in or affecting commerce".<ref name=":9">{{cite web \|title=FTC Act \|url=https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/statutes/federal-trade-commission-act \|publisher=Federal Trade Commission \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260127043048/https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/statutes/federal-trade-commission-act \|archive-date=27 Jan 2026}}</ref>

	In October 2024, the FTC amended its Negative Option Rule to include specific requirements for cancellation mechanisms, implementing a "Click-to-Cancel" provision.<ref name=":10">{{cite web \|title=FTC Strengthens Negative Option Rule \|url=https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/10/ftc-strengthens-rule-protect-consumers-deceptive-subscription-practices \|publisher=Federal Trade Commission \|date=October 11, 2024}}</ref>		In October 2024, the FTC amended its Negative Option Rule to include specific requirements for cancellation mechanisms, implementing a "Click-to-Cancel" provision.<ref name=":10">{{cite web \|title=FTC Strengthens Negative Option Rule \|url=https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/10/ftc-strengthens-rule-protect-consumers-deceptive-subscription-practices \|publisher=Federal Trade Commission \|date=October 11, 2024}}</ref>

	===European Union's approach===		===European Union's approach===
	The European approach combines general consumer protection laws with data privacy-specific regulations. While the [[General Data Protection Regulation]] (GDPR) doesn't explicitly mention dark patterns, its requirements for valid consent effectively prohibit many deceptive designs.<ref name=":11">{{cite web \|title=Guidelines on Dark Patterns in Social Media Platform Interfaces \|url=https://edpb.europa.eu/our-work-tools/documents/public-consultations/2022/guidelines-32022-dark-patterns-social-media_en \|publisher=European Data Protection Board \|date=2022}}</ref>		The European approach combines general consumer protection laws with data privacy-specific regulations. While the [[General Data Protection Regulation]] (GDPR) doesn't explicitly mention dark patterns, its requirements for valid consent effectively prohibit many deceptive designs.<ref name=":11">{{cite web \|title=Guidelines on Dark Patterns in Social Media Platform Interfaces \|url=https://edpb.europa.eu/our-work-tools/documents/public-consultations/2022/guidelines-32022-dark-patterns-social-media_en \|publisher=European Data Protection Board \|date=2022 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251217115035/https://www.edpb.europa.eu/our-work-tools/documents/public-consultations/2022/guidelines-32022-dark-patterns-social-media_en \|archive-date=17 Dec 2025}}</ref>

	The [[Digital Services Act]] (DSA) and [[Digital Markets Act]] (DMA) further address dark patterns by prohibiting practices that "deceive or manipulate" users.<ref name=":12">{{cite web \|title=Digital Services Act \|url=https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/digital-services-act \|publisher=European Commission}}</ref>		The [[Digital Services Act]] (DSA) and [[Digital Markets Act]] (DMA) further address dark patterns by prohibiting practices that "deceive or manipulate" users.<ref name=":12">{{cite web \|title=Digital Services Act \|url=https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/digital-services-act \|publisher=European Commission \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260216033823/https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/digital-services-act \|archive-date=16 Feb 2026}}</ref>

	===Enforcement cases and penalties===		===Enforcement cases and penalties===
Line 56:		Line 56:
	*Epic Games paid $245 million to settle charges related to deceptive patterns in Fortnite.<ref name=":13">{{cite web \|title=Epic Games to Pay $245 Million \|url=https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2022/12/epic-games-pay-245-million-ftc-refund-consumers-accused-tricking-users-making-unauthorized-charges \|publisher=Federal Trade Commission \|date=December 19, 2022}}</ref>		*Epic Games paid $245 million to settle charges related to deceptive patterns in Fortnite.<ref name=":13">{{cite web \|title=Epic Games to Pay $245 Million \|url=https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2022/12/epic-games-pay-245-million-ftc-refund-consumers-accused-tricking-users-making-unauthorized-charges \|publisher=Federal Trade Commission \|date=December 19, 2022}}</ref>
	*Noom paid $62 million to settle charges regarding deceptive subscription practices.<ref name=":14">{{cite web \|title=Noom to Pay $62 Million \|url=https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/03/noom-pay-62-million-settle-ftc-charges-it-misled-consumers-about-its-diet-programs-use-consumer-data \|publisher=Federal Trade Commission \|date=March 7, 2024}}</ref>		*Noom paid $62 million to settle charges regarding deceptive subscription practices.<ref name=":14">{{cite web \|title=Noom to Pay $62 Million \|url=https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/03/noom-pay-62-million-settle-ftc-charges-it-misled-consumers-about-its-diet-programs-use-consumer-data \|publisher=Federal Trade Commission \|date=March 7, 2024}}</ref>
	*TikTok received multimillion-euro fines for failing to protect children's data through manipulative consent practices.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2023-09-15 \|title=Irish Data Protection Commission announces €345 million fine of TikTok \|url=https://www.dataprotection.ie/en/news-media/press-releases/DPC-announces-345-million-euro-fine-of-TikTok \|access-date=2025-11-08 \|website=Data Protection Commision}}</ref>		*TikTok received multimillion-euro fines for failing to protect children's data through manipulative consent practices.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2023-09-15 \|title=Irish Data Protection Commission announces €345 million fine of TikTok \|url=https://www.dataprotection.ie/en/news-media/press-releases/DPC-announces-345-million-euro-fine-of-TikTok \|access-date=2025-11-08 \|website=Data Protection Commision \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260201165638/https://www.dataprotection.ie/en/news-media/press-releases/DPC-announces-345-million-euro-fine-of-TikTok \|archive-date=1 Feb 2026}}</ref>

	==Impact on consumers and businesses==		==Impact on consumers and businesses==
Line 69:		Line 69:
	==Detection, avoidance and mitigation==		==Detection, avoidance and mitigation==
	===Technical detection and tools===		===Technical detection and tools===
	Efforts to automatically detect dark patterns are evolving but face significant challenges. A comprehensive study found that existing tools could only identify 31 of 68 identified dark pattern types, a coverage rate of just 45.5%.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web \|last=Li \|first=Meng \|last2=Wang \|first2=Xiang \|last3=Nei \|first3=Liming \|last4=Li \|first4=Chenglin \|last5=Liu \|first5=Yang \|last6=Zhao \|first6=Yangyang \|last7=Xue \|first7=Lei \|last8=Kabir Sulaiman \|first8=Said \|date=2024-12-12 \|title=[2412.09147] A Comprehensive Study on Dark Patterns \|url=https://arxiv.org/abs/2412.09147 \|access-date=2025-11-08 \|website=arXiv \|doi=10.48550/arXiv.2412.09147}}</ref> The study proposed a Dark Pattern Analysis Framework (DPAF) to address existing gaps.		Efforts to automatically detect dark patterns are evolving but face significant challenges. A comprehensive study found that existing tools could only identify 31 of 68 identified dark pattern types, a coverage rate of just 45.5%.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web \|last=Li \|first=Meng \|last2=Wang \|first2=Xiang \|last3=Nei \|first3=Liming \|last4=Li \|first4=Chenglin \|last5=Liu \|first5=Yang \|last6=Zhao \|first6=Yangyang \|last7=Xue \|first7=Lei \|last8=Kabir Sulaiman \|first8=Said \|date=2024-12-12 \|title=[2412.09147] A Comprehensive Study on Dark Patterns \|url=https://arxiv.org/abs/2412.09147 \|access-date=2025-11-08 \|website=arXiv \|doi=10.48550/arXiv.2412.09147 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251109221611/https://www.arxiv.org/abs/2412.09147 \|archive-date=9 Nov 2025}}</ref> The study proposed a Dark Pattern Analysis Framework (DPAF) to address existing gaps.

	===Ethical design alternatives===		===Ethical design alternatives===