Jul 11, 2024 17:00:00

It was found that 76% of subscription-based apps had at least one dark pattern, and up to 67% had multiple dark patterns.

On July 4, 2024, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network (ICPEN), and the Global Privacy Enforcement Network (GPEN) announced the results of a survey on the use of '

dark patterns ' that may put users' privacy at risk or induce them to purchase products or services. An analysis of 642 websites and apps that offer subscription services revealed that approximately 76% use at least one dark pattern, and approximately 67% use multiple dark patterns.

FTC, ICPEN, GPEN Announce Results of Review of Use of Dark Patterns Affecting Subscription Services, Privacy | Federal Trade Commission
https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/07/ftc-icpen-gpen-announce-results-review-use-dark-patterns-affecting-subscription-services-privacy

Public Report ICPEN Dark Patterns Sweep.pdf
(PDF file)

https://icpen.org/sites/default/files/2024-07/Public%20Report%20ICPEN%20Dark%20Patterns%20Sweep.pdf

2024 GPEN Sweep on deceptive design patterns | Global Privacy Enforcement Network
https://www.privacyenforcement.net/content/2024-gpen-sweep-deceptive-design-patterns

FTC study finds 'dark patterns' used by a majority of subscription apps and websites | TechCrunch
https://techcrunch.com/2024/07/10/ftc-study-finds-dark-patterns-used-by-a-majority-of-subscription-apps-and-websites/

Report finds most subscription services manipulate customers with 'dark patterns'
https://www.engadget.com/report-finds-most-subscription-services-manipulate-customers-with-dark-patterns-225640057.html

Dark patterns are behaviors found primarily in online user interfaces that attempt to mislead, deceive, coerce or manipulate consumers into making choices that are not in their best interest.

The investigation, conducted by the FTC and other organizations, covered 642 websites and mobile apps that contain subscription components. The investigation revealed that approximately 76% of the platforms used at least one dark pattern, and approximately 68% of the platforms used multiple dark patterns.

According to ICPEN, one of the most common dark patterns found was 'sneaking' to make it difficult for companies to find negative information. Another dark pattern that was frequently identified was 'not being able to turn off automatic subscription renewal during the sign-up and purchase process,' with approximately 81% of the sites and apps surveyed using this technique to set subscriptions to automatically renew.

Additionally, around 70% of platforms did not provide information on how to cancel a subscription, and in around 67% of cases, they did not clearly indicate to consumers the date by which the subscription fee would have to be paid again.

GPEN also investigates dark patterns that may violate user privacy. As a result of a survey of more than 1,000 websites and apps, it was reported that in about 89% of cases, privacy policies used complex and confusing language. In addition, about 57% of platforms forced users to choose less protective privacy options, and about 42% used emotive language that was likely to affect users.

Foreign media Engadget stated, 'No matter how smart a person is, they can be inspired by these dark patterns and make suboptimal decisions. The report does not indicate whether dark patterns are illegal, but only shows that they exist on many platforms. The results of this survey highlight the importance of digital literacy as an essential skill for us all.'