We Don't Use Dark Patterns!? FTC And Consumer Protection Networks Review Suggests You Might

In its ongoing concern with "dark patterns," the FTC recently announced results of two reviews of sites and apps purportedly engaging in the practice. As a reminder, the FTC views as "dark patterns" practices or web designs that "get consumers to part with their money or data" using deceptive or manipulative means. Both of the recent reports were completed by global consortiums of regulators of which the FTC is a member.

The first report, done by ICPEN, or the International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network, looked at 642 global subscription services sites and apps. The report found nearly 76% contained at least one alleged dark pattern while 67% used more than one. Most typical was the inability to turn off subscription autorenewals. This was followed by a lack of information about how to cancel a subscription during enrollment or before an autorenewal.