Recent reports from global consumer protection groups have uncovered that the majority of subscription websites utilize “dark patterns” to influence customer behavior regarding subscriptions and personal data. Dark patterns are tactics commonly seen in online interfaces that guide, mislead, pressure, or control consumers into decisions that may not be in their best interest. The International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network (ICPEN) and the Global Privacy Enforcement Network (GPEN) conducted these international research efforts.
ICPEN’s evaluation of 642 websites and mobile apps with subscription features found that nearly 76 percent of them employed at least one dark pattern, with close to 68 percent using multiple dark patterns. Among the prevalent dark patterns identified was “sneaking,” where companies hide potentially unfavorable information. According to ICPEN, 81 percent of platforms with automatic subscription renewals engaged in this practice.
2024-07-10 17:56:41
Link from www.engadget.com