Consumer Protection In The Age Of AI Personalization And Dark Patterns

As digital experiences become more personalized and AI-driven, consumer protection risks are shifting from traditional fraud and misrepresentation to the very architecture of digital choice. Regulators around the world are increasingly scrutinising manipulative design practices, commonly known as dark patterns, and sophisticated AI personalisation tactics that erode consumer autonomy and influence decisions.

Dark patterns encompass a wide range of deceptive interface techniques, from hidden fees and subscription traps to misleading consent flows that steer users toward actions they did not intend or want to take. Identified initially by user-experience researchers, these design patterns have now caught the attention of regulators and watchdogs globally as a significant source of consumer detriment.