FTC report: dark patterns use designed to trick and trap consumers

16/09/2022 | Federal Trade Commission

The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has published a report on the sophisticated use of dark patterns, which it claims are designed to trick and trap consumers. Among the deceptive advertising tactics used are ads disguised as content, increased subscription cancellation hurdles and misleading users into handing over unnecessary personal data. Relating to privacy, specifically privacy, the report details instances where companies use dark patterns to direct people into choosing to share their data. "This report—and our cases—send a clear message that these traps will not be tolerated," FTC Bureau of Consumer Protection Director Samuel Levine said.

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Dark Patterns

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