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Dark Patterns, also referred to as Deceptive Patterns, refer to deceptive design practices used in websites, applications, or digital interfaces to manipulate users into making decisions that benefit the organization implementing them, often at the expense of the user’s best interests.<ref>Brignull, H., Leiser, M., Santos, C., & Doshi, K. (2023, April 25). Deceptive patterns – user interfaces designed to trick you. deceptive.design. Retrieved May 23, 2025, from https://www.deceptive.design/</ref> Coined by user-experience (UX) specialist Harry Brignull in 2010, the term has since become a critical focus in consumer advocacy, as these practices undermine transparency and user autonomy.
A {{Wplink|Dark pattern|dark pattern}} is an umbrella term for all deceptive tricks faced by consumers, and it relies on behavioral psychology and human biases in order to make the user act against their own intent, like buying or signing up for something.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last1=Brignull |first1=Harry |last2=Leiser |first2=Mark |last3=Santos |first3=Cristiana |last4=Doshi |first4=Kosha |display-authors=2 |date=25 Apr 2023 |title=Dark Patterns: inside the interfaces designed to trick you |url=https://www.deceptive.design/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260322200149/https://www.deceptive.design/ |archive-date=22 Mar 2026 |access-date=22 Mar 2026 |website=Deceptive.Design}}</ref><!-- I slimmed it down a lot. We are not a going to get many people to learn what this is by making it into a whole thesis, not in the introduction definition sentences. I want my mom to able to read this first part, if she doesn't get onto the rest, at least she got the general gist. -->


==Types and examples of dark patterns==
Dark patterns can be found can be found across industries,<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 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251109221611/https://www.arxiv.org/abs/2412.09147 |archive-date=9 Nov 2025 |access-date=2025-11-08 |website=arXiv |doi=10.48550/arXiv.2412.09147}}</ref> but most often in mobile interfaces. A 2022 European Commission report indicated that 97% of popular mobile apps used by EU consumers have them.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Lupiáñez-Villanueva |first1=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 |display-authors=2 |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 |website=Publications Office of the EU |date=Apr 2022 |access-date=22 Mar 2026 |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 |doi=10.2838/859030 |isbn=978-92-76-52316-1}}</ref> And a 2019 study found approximately 1/10th out of 11,000 e-commerce websites have them.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cimpanu |first=Catalin |date=11 Nov 2019 |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/ |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 |access-date=8 Nov 2025 |website=ZDNET}}</ref>
Dark patterns can be found across multiple industries and platforms. While some examples overlap or share common tactics, all rely on manipulation and deception to achieve their goals. Listed below are notable types:


*'''[[Post-purchase EULA modification]]''': Critical [[End-user license agreement|end-user license agreements]] (EULAs) are hidden or presented only after purchase, making it difficult for users to review terms before committing. These agreements may be located inside packaging, under a lid, or displayed upon initial activation, limiting informed consent. This tactic overlaps with "forced continuity" and "roach motel" practices.
The term ''dark patterns'' was originally defined by Harry Brignull as ''"''design tricks that manipulate users into taking actions they didn't intend to''."'' This wording was later rebranded to the ''deceptive design.<ref name=":1" />'' 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">{{Cite web |author= |date=Sep 2022 |title=Bringing Dark Patterns to Light |url=https://www.ftc.gov/reports/bringing-dark-patterns-light |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251209033209/https://www.ftc.gov/reports/bringing-dark-patterns-light |archive-date=9 Dec 2025 |access-date=22 Mar 2026 |website=Federal Trade Commission}}</ref>  benefiting the service provider through manipulation.


*'''Forced continuity''': Users are charged for a subscription or service after a free trial without adequate warning or an easy cancellation option.
== How it works ==
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 |title=Your Cookie Consent Banner is (Probably) Not Compliant |url=https://mainwp.com/cookie-consent-banner-probably-not-compliant/ |website=MainWP |date=2 Feb 2023 |access-date=22 Mar 2026 |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>


*'''Roach motel''': Users can easily sign up for a service or subscription but will find it extremely difficult to cancel.
= Examples =
Research suggest that there are 60+ types of deceptive design, so below are a few examples.<ref name=":3" />


*'''Hidden costs''': Additional charges are revealed only at the final stages of a transaction, after users have already invested significant time.<ref>Brignull, H., Leiser, M., Santos, C., & Doshi, K. (2023, April 25). Deceptive patterns – Hidden Costs. deceptive.design. Retrieved May 23, 2025, from https://www.deceptive.design/types/hidden-costs</ref>
==== 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=28 Sep 2020 |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 |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 |access-date=28 Nov 2025 |website=Lexology}}</ref>


*'''Sneak into basket''': Items or services are automatically added to a shopping cart without explicit consent.
==== Interface interference ====
This category includes designs that manipulate interface elements to steer user behavior. Misdirection focuses user attention on one element to obscure another critical detail. Disguised ads blend advertisements with genuine interface elements, like fake "Download" buttons on software websites.<ref name=":0" />


*'''Confirmshaming''': Users are guilt-tripped into taking a particular action by framing alternative options unfavorably (e.g., "No, I don’t want to save money").<ref>Brignull, H., Leiser, M., Santos, C., & Doshi, K. (2023, April 25). Deceptive patterns – Confirmshaming. deceptive.design. Retrieved May 23, 2025, from https://www.deceptive.design/types/confirmshaming</ref>
==== Forced action ====
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 |author= |date=17 Jun 2024 |title=FTC Charges Adobe |url=https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/06/ftc-takes-action-against-adobe-executives-hiding-fees-preventing-consumers-easily-cancelling |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240617162513/https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/06/ftc-takes-action-against-adobe-executives-hiding-fees-preventing-consumers-easily-cancelling |archive-date=17 Jun 2024 |access-date=22 Mar 2026 |website=Federal Trade Commission}}</ref>


*'''Privacy Zuckering''': Tricking users into sharing more personal information than intended, often through misleading privacy settings or pre-checked consent boxes.
==== Sneaking and information hiding ====
These practices involve concealing or obscuring material information from users, such as


*'''Disguised ads''': Ads are designed to look like native content or legitimate interface elements, tricking users into clicking.<ref>Brignull, H., Leiser, M., Santos, C., & Doshi, K. (2023, April 25). Deceptive patterns – Disguised ads. deceptive.design. Retrieved May 23, 2025, from https://www.deceptive.design/types/disguised-ads</ref>
*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]]


*'''Trick wording''': Misleading language to elicit unintended responses from users.<ref>Brignull, H., Leiser, M., Santos, C., & Doshi, K. (2023, April 25). Deceptive patterns – Trick wording. deceptive.design. Retrieved May 23, 2025, from https://www.deceptive.design/types/trick-wording</ref>
==== Social proof and urgency ====
{{Main|Fear of missing out}}
These patterns exploit social influence and time pressure to manipulate decisions. False activity messages misrepresent site activity or product popularity. False scarcity creates pressure to buy immediately by claiming limited inventory. Baseless countdown timers display fake countdown clocks that reset when expired.


*'''[[Fear of missing out]] (FOMO)''': The use of time-limited availability to instill a sense of urgency in users, causing them to devote more time or money in order to acquire a product, service, or digital item. This tactic overlaps with "misleading scarcity message" practices.
==== False choice ====
This category includes any form of providing 2 or more "options" or "choices" to the user (each one with pros and cons), but only one or a few of them are reasonable and/or pragmatic. A more specific subset of this category, consists on providing extremely coarse ("''[[wikipedia:False_dilemma|all or nothing]]''") choices. Examples:


*'''Misleading scarcity messages''': Phrases like "Only 3 left in stock!" or "Offer expires in 10 minutes" are displayed to create a false sense of urgency, even when the product is widely available.
*[[Web cookie|Cookie]] prompts where the only choices are "Accept all" and "Reject all". If the user clicks "Reject", they have to login everytime they switch to a different page, and none of their settings/preferences are saved. If the user clicks "Accept", they get tracked by several third-parties.
*[[Android]] doesn't consider <code>[https://developer.android.com/reference/android/Manifest.permission#INTERNET INTERNET]</code> as a "[https://developer.android.com/guide/topics/permissions/overview#runtime dangerous]" permission, so users can only enable or disable internet access for all apps. In contrast, [[GrapheneOS]] supports setting internet-access on a per-app basis. There's speculation that [[Google]] hasn't implemented this granularity because it would decrease their ad-revenue, as users could simply block internet for any app with ads while still having internet on the apps they care about.<ref>[[Talk:Android data collection#3p section]]</ref> See also [[Google#Banning domain-blockers from Play Store]].
Like many other types of dark patterns, there is [[malicious compliance]] at play. This happens when a company is faced with legal pressure to comply with pro-consumer regulations, but only did so in the letter of the law, not the spirit of the law. Which means in practice they still manipulate users to act according to the way that benefits the company.


*'''Friend spam''': Users are encouraged to share personal information about their friends or contacts, which is then used for unsolicited marketing.
==Legal and regulatory landscape==
===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 |author= |title=FTC Act |url=https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/statutes/federal-trade-commission-act |website=Federal Trade Commission |date= |access-date=22 Mar 2026 |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>


*'''Default-settings exploitation''': Options that benefit the company are pre-selected, such as extensive data sharing or auto-renewal of subscriptions.<ref name="edpb">European Data Protection Board. (2023). Deceptive design patterns in social media platform interfaces: how to recognise and avoid them (EDPB). European Data Protection Board. https://www.edpb.europa.eu/system/files/2023-02/edpb_03-2022_guidelines_on_deceptive_design_patterns_in_social_media_platform_interfaces_v2_en_0.pdf</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 |author= |title=Federal Trade Commission Announces Final “Click-to-Cancel” Rule Making It Easier for Consumers to End Recurring Subscriptions and Memberships |url=https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/10/federal-trade-commission-announces-final-click-cancel-rule-making-it-easier-consumers-end-recurring |website=Federal Trade Commission |date=16 Oct 2024 |access-date=22 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241017023655/https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/10/federal-trade-commission-announces-final-click-cancel-rule-making-it-easier-consumers-end-recurring |archive-date=17 Oct 2024}}</ref> The FTC later voted on 9 May 2025 to extend the original 14 May 2025 compliance deadline by sixty days.<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=FTC Votes on Negative Option Rule Deadline |url=https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2025/05/ftc-votes-negative-option-rule-deadline |website=Federal Trade Commission |date=9 May 2025 |access-date=22 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250510094522/https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2025/05/ftc-votes-negative-option-rule-deadline |archive-date=10 May 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Ferguson |first1=Andrew N. |last2=Holyoak |first2=Melissa |last3=Meador |first3=Mark R. |title=Statement of the Commission Regarding the Negative Option Rule |url=https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/cases-proceedings/public-statements/statement-commission-regarding-negative-option-rule |website=Federal Trade Commission |date=9 May 2025 |access-date=22 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250510094652/https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/cases-proceedings/public-statements/statement-commission-regarding-negative-option-rule |archive-date=10 May 2025}}</ref>


*'''Obstruction''': Simple tasks are made unnecessarily complicated, such as requiring users to navigate multiple steps to cancel a subscription or delete an account.<ref>Brignull, H., Leiser, M., Santos, C., & Doshi, K. (2023, April 25). Deceptive patterns – Obstruction. deceptive.design. Retrieved May 23, 2025, from https://www.deceptive.design/types/obstruction</ref>
On 8 July 2025, the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals vacated the entire 2024 change to the Negative Option Rule on procedural grounds in ''Custom Communications, Inc. v. Federal Trade Commission''.<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Click to Cancel Just Got Cancelled: Eighth Circuit Vacates Entirety of FTC’s Negative Option Rule |url=https://www.cooley.com/news/insight/2025/2025-07-11-click-to-cancel-just-got-cancelled-eighth-circuit-vacates-entirety-of-ftcs-negative-option-rule |website=Cooley |date=11 Jul 2025 |access-date=22 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250725091941/https://www.cooley.com/news/insight/2025/2025-07-11-click-to-cancel-just-got-cancelled-eighth-circuit-vacates-entirety-of-ftcs-negative-option-rule |archive-date=25 Jul 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Conkle |first1=Brooke  |last2=Cover |first2=Jason |last3=Capurso |first3=Chris |last4=Gess |first4=Taylor |last5=McCrory |first5=Carlin |display-authors=2 |title=Eighth Circuit Vacates FTC’s Negative Option Rule for Procedural Violations |url=https://www.consumerfinancialserviceslawmonitor.com/2025/07/eighth-circuit-vacates-ftcs-negative-option-rule-for-procedural-violations/ |website=Consumer Financial Services Law Monitor |date=10 Jul 2024
*'''[[Bait-and-switch|Bait and Switch]]''': A user sets out to do one thing, but a different outcome happens instead. For example, clicking a button that says “Download” initiates a purchase instead.
|access-date=22 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250719115748/https://www.consumerfinancialserviceslawmonitor.com/2025/07/eighth-circuit-vacates-ftcs-negative-option-rule-for-procedural-violations/ |archive-date=19 Jul 2025}}</ref> Despite the legal setback, the FTC carried out findings against [[Match.com]], [[Chegg|Chegg Inc.]], [[Cleo AI]] and [[Amazon]] based on the [[Restore Online Shoppers' Confidence Act]] (ROSCA) and Section 5 of the FTC Act.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Goodrich |first1=Brian J. |last2=Genn |first2=Benjamin |last3=Cornelius |first3=Ceijenia J. |display-authors=2 |title=FTC Steps Up Subscription Enforcement After "Click to Cancel" Rule Struck Down |url=https://www.hklaw.com/en/insights/publications/2025/09/ftc-steps-up-subscription-enforcement-after-click-to-cancel-rule |website=Holland & Knight |date=25 Sep 2025 |access-date=22 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250926172425/https://www.hklaw.com/en/insights/publications/2025/09/ftc-steps-up-subscription-enforcement-after-click-to-cancel-rule |archive-date=26 Sep 2025}}</ref>
*'''Forced Action (a.k.a. Forced Engagement):''' Users are required to perform an unrelated task to proceed - for example, making an account or subscribing to a newsletter just to access basic content or features.<ref>Brignull, H., Leiser, M., Santos, C., & Doshi, K. (2023, April 25). Deceptive patterns – Forced action. deceptive.design. Retrieved May 23, 2025, from https://www.deceptive.design/types/forced-action</ref>
*'''Misdirection:''' Attention is purposefully drawn to one element to distract from another - often used to downplay important opt-outs, costs, or alternatives.
*'''Visual Interference:''' Design elements such as misleading colours, button sizes, or placements make it hard for users to make informed choices (e.g., greyed-out opt-outs that are still clickable).<ref>Brignull, H., Leiser, M., Santos, C., & Doshi, K. (2023, April 25). Deceptive patterns – Visual interference. deceptive.design. Retrieved May 23, 2025, from https://www.deceptive.design/types/visual-interference</ref>
*'''Gamification for Manipulation:''' Using badges, streaks, or points to incentivize continued use or spending, beyond what’s rational or in the user’s best interest.
*'''Nagging:''' Repeatedly prompting the user to take an action that is potentially detrimental to the user - e.g., “Are you sure you don’t want notifications?” shown on every login.<ref>Brignull, H., Leiser, M., Santos, C., & Doshi, K. (2023, April 25). Deceptive patterns – Nagging. deceptive.design. Retrieved May 23, 2025, from https://www.deceptive.design/types/nagging</ref>
*'''Hidden Subscription (a variant of Forced Continuity):''' The cost and terms of a subscription are hidden during sign-up or obscured in fine print, often leading users to unknowingly commit to recurring charges.<ref>Brignull, H., Leiser, M., Santos, C., & Doshi, K. (2023, April 25). Deceptive patterns – Hidden subscription. deceptive.design. Retrieved May 23, 2025, from https://www.deceptive.design/types/hidden-subscription</ref>
*'''Price Comparison Prevention:''' Limiting a user’s ability to compare prices across competitors - e.g., by using unique product names or obscuring base pricing models.<ref>Brignull, H., Leiser, M., Santos, C., & Doshi, K. (2023, April 25). Deceptive patterns – Comparison prevention. deceptive.design. Retrieved May 23, 2025, from https://www.deceptive.design/types/comparison-prevention</ref>
*'''Intermittent Rewards:''' Randomised rewards (like loot boxes or algorithmic content feeds) are designed to mimic gambling patterns from games in which players wager and encourage compulsive behaviour.
*'''Trick Timers:''' Timers that restart or extend themselves after expiring to simulate urgency and encourage immediate decisions based on false time pressure.


==Dark patterns in games==
On 30 January 2026, the FTC indicated renewed interest in updating the Negative Option Rule by submitting a draft Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review.<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=FTC Submits Draft ANPRM Related to Negative Option Plans to OMB for Review |url=https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2026/01/ftc-submits-draft-anprm-related-negative-option-plans-omb-review |website=Federal Trade Commission |date=30 Jan 2026 |access-date=22 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260131094626/https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2026/01/ftc-submits-draft-anprm-related-negative-option-plans-omb-review |archive-date=31 Jan 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=U.S. FTC Signals Renewed Interest in “Click-to-Cancel” Rulemaking |url=https://www.sidley.com/en/insights/newsupdates/2026/02/us-ftc-signals-renewed-interest-in-click-to-cancel-rulemaking |website=Sidley |date=9 Feb 2026 |access-date=22 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260322231433/https://www.sidley.com/en/insights/newsupdates/2026/02/us-ftc-signals-renewed-interest-in-click-to-cancel-rulemaking |archive-date=22 Mar 2026}}</ref> It was opened to public comment on 11 Mar 2026.<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=FTC Seeks Public Comment in Response to Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Regarding Negative Option Marketing Practices |url=https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2026/03/ftc-seeks-public-comment-response-advance-notice-proposed-rulemaking-regarding-negative-option |website=Federal Trade Commission |date=11 Mar 2026 |access-date=22 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260311190304/https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2026/03/ftc-seeks-public-comment-response-advance-notice-proposed-rulemaking-regarding-negative-option |archive-date=11 Mar 2026}}</ref>
A gaming dark pattern is something that is deliberately added to a game to cause an unwanted negative experience for the player with a positive outcome for the game developer.


*'''Temporal Dark Patterns:''' A temporal dark pattern is designed to get you to spend more time playing the game than you would have otherwise.
<!-- {{Cite web |author= |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 |website=Federal Trade Commission |date=11 Oct 2024 |access-date= |url-status=live |archive-url= |archive-date=}}
**'''Playing by Appointment:''' Being forced to play according to the game's schedule instead of yours.
**'''Daily Rewards:''' Encourages return visits every day and punishes you for missing a day.
*'''Monetary Dark Patterns:''' A monetary dark pattern is one which tricks you into spending more money than you want to spend on a game.
**'''Currency Obfuscation:''' Exchange rate between real money and in-game currency disguises the real price of items. Hiding the true amount being spent.
**'''Premium Currency Hostage Cycle:''' Never allowing users to get their balance down to zero, resulting in small amounts of left over premium currency that can't be used without spending more. Always trapping an amount that cannot be used in an endless cycle. A real world example of this dark pattern was used in the Starbucks coffee app.[2]
*'''Social Dark Patterns:''' Social dark patterns use your relationships with friends and family to benefit the game.
**'''Social Pyramid Scheme:''' You get a bonus for inviting your friends and then they have to invite their friends.
*'''Psychological Dark Patterns:''' These dark patterns are psychological tricks that are used to get you to make bad decisions.


==Why dark patterns are problematic==
I am hiding this reference unless and until someone can find it. I have searched and searched for an article with the described title and date, but have had no matching results. The closest I could find was "Federal Trade Commission Announces Final “Click-to-Cancel” Rule Making It Easier for Consumers to End Recurring Subscriptions and Memberships" on 16 October 2024, which will be used as reference instead. -Sojourna -->
Dark patterns are more than just unethical design choices. They have real-world consequences for consumers and society. Key concerns include:
===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 |author= |title=Guidelines on Dark Patterns in Social Media Platform Interfaces |url=https://www.edpb.europa.eu/our-work-tools/our-documents/guidelines/guidelines-032022-deceptive-design-patterns-social-media_en |website=European Data Protection Board |date=14 Feb 2023 |access-date=22 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230226175323/https://www.edpb.europa.eu/our-work-tools/our-documents/guidelines/guidelines-032022-deceptive-design-patterns-social-media_en |archive-date=26 Feb 2023}}</ref>


*'''Erosion of trust''': Users lose confidence in platforms that manipulate their choices, undermining long-term loyalty.
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 |author=
*'''Financial loss''': Consumers often incur unexpected charges or fees, because of deceptive practices.
|title=Digital Services Act |url=https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/digital-services-act |website=European Commission |date= |access-date=22 Mar 2026 |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>
*'''Privacy violations''': Trickery in consent-gathering leads to the misuse or overcollection of personal data.
*'''Exploitation of vulnerability''': Vulnerable populations are disproportionately affected, such as children or those with limited digital literacy.


===Regulatory efforts===
===Enforcement cases and penalties===
Governments and consumer-protection organizations are increasingly scrutinizing dark patterns. Key developments include:
Recent years have seen significant enforcement actions:
*[[Epic Games]] paid $245 million to settle charges related to deceptive patterns in [[Fortnite]].<ref name=":13">{{Cite web |author= |title=Epic Games to Pay $245 Million |url=https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2022/12/fortnite-video-game-maker-epic-games-pay-more-half-billion-dollars-over-ftc-allegations |website=Federal Trade Commission |date=19 Dec 2022 |access-date=22 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221219203844/https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2022/12/fortnite-video-game-maker-epic-games-pay-more-half-billion-dollars-over-ftc-allegations |archive-date=19 Dec 2022}}</ref>
*[[Noom]] paid $62 million to settle charges regarding deceptive subscription practices.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Davis |first=Ayumi |title=Noom to Pay $62M to Customers Forced Into Renewals They Didn’t Want |url=https://www.newsweek.com/noom-pay-62m-customers-forced-renewals-they-didnt-want-1679045 |website=Newsweek |date=14 Feb 2022 |access-date=22 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220214194149/https://www.newsweek.com/noom-pay-62m-customers-forced-renewals-they-didnt-want-1679045 |archive-date=14 Feb 2022}}</ref>
<!-- <ref name=":14">{{Cite web |author= |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 |website=Federal Trade Commission |date=7 Mar 2024 |access-date= |url-status=live |archive-url= |archive-date=}}</ref> I am hiding this as well as I could find NOTHING about it on FTC.gov and the date is dubious to boot. -Sojourna -->
*[[TikTok]] received a €345 million fine for failing to protect children's data through manipulative consent practices.<ref>{{Cite web |author= |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 |website=Data Protection Commission |date=15 Sep 2023 |access-date=22 Mar 2026 |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>


*'''[[California Privacy Rights Act]] (CPRA)''': Prohibits the use of deceptive designs to obtain consent for data collection.
==Indirect harms==
*'''[[General Data Protection Regulation|EU General Data Protection Regulation]] (GDPR)''': Mandates that consent be informed and freely given, effectively targeting privacy zuckering.
The base motivation of deceptive design is to create more benefits for the company. But there are several indirect harms done in the process, some of them listed below.
*'''[[Federal Trade Commission]] (FTC)''': In the U.S., the FTC has taken action against companies employing dark patterns, including fines and enforcement actions.


===Combating dark patterns===
===Consumers===
Consumers and designers can take steps to identify and combat dark patterns by:
A dark pattern is harmful to consumers in many ways, often leading to financial loss and emotional distress.{{Citation needed|reason=Needs some study or news site here}}


*'''Raising awareness''': Educating users about common dark patterns helps them make informed decisions.
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.
*'''Transparent design principles''': Advocating for ethical design practices that prioritize user autonomy and clarity.
*'''Policy advocacy''': Supporting stronger regulatory frameworks to hold organizations accountable for deceptive practices.
*'''Third-party tools''': Using browser extensions and tools designed to block or highlight manipulative elements.


===Conclusion===
Dark patterns attempt 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" /> This can train up a feeling of hopelessness or cynisim over time.
Dark patterns undermine the principles of fair commerce and user empowerment, exploiting human psychology for profit. As awareness grows, collaboration among consumers, designers, and regulators will be essential to curb their prevalence and ensure digital spaces remain transparent and trustworthy.
 
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. People with anxiety disorders are also easier victims of deceptive design, especially because fear some types of deceptive design directly rely on injecting fear and stress.
 
===Businesses===
Despite consumer backlash being unlikely to lead to immediate change in business practices, many dark patterns that violate consumer protection laws could lead to heavy lawsuits against businesses<ref name=":0" /> People can also start to avoid a brand based on a deceptive experience with a particular product, because they have lost trust with them. And the more companies do these kinds of practices the more this causes the erosion of trust in businesses ''in general''. A societal effect like this can have significant business and economic implications.
 
==Mitigation==
===Transparency and advocacy===
Consumer education plays a crucial role. Initiatives like the Dark Patterns Tip Line allow users to report deceptive designs they encounter. Advocacy organizations provide resources to help identify and avoid dark patterns.<ref name=":1" />
 
Designers should implement neutral default settings that don't assume consent.<ref name=":2" /> And companies should provide honest explanations of data practices and costs in clear, understandable language.
 
=== Detection 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" /> The study proposed a Dark Pattern Analysis Framework (DPAF) to address existing gaps.
 
==Gallery==
Examples of dark patterns, with notes.
 
===[[Carly]]===
<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 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|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|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|"Do not sell or share" is enabled by default, but comes with a disclaimer. (See file page for further notes.)
</gallery>


==References==
==References==
<references />
{{Reflist}}
[[Category:Anti-Consumer_Practices]]
 
[[Category:Anti-consumer practices]]
[[Category:Common terms]]
[[Category:Common terms]]
Retrieved from "https://consumerrights.wiki/w/Dark_pattern"