[Breitbart] Dark patterns are subtle design elements intentionally implemented to influence user behavior, often leading consumers to make decisions they might not have made otherwise. These manipulative techniques can range from making it difficult to cancel subscriptions to pushing users towards more expensive options through visual trickery.
One of the most prevalent dark patterns identified in the study was "sneaking," a tactic used by 81 percent of the analyzed platforms. This technique involves the inability to disable automatic subscription renewals during the initial sign-up or purchase process. Furthermore, 70 percent of the examined services failed to provide clear information on how to cancel subscriptions, while 67 percent neglected to specify the deadline for cancellation to avoid additional charges.
Another common dark pattern uncovered in the study was "obstruction," which involves making certain actions, such as canceling a subscription or bypassing a free trial offer, unnecessarily complicated or tedious for users. This tactic often manifests in the form of hidden or grayed-out options, making it challenging for consumers to opt out of services they no longer wish to use.
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