Websites With Dark Patterns: Learn About and Avoid Them

What are websites with dark patterns? They are sites that use manipulative tactics to trick consumers into purchasing or signing up for unwanted products or services. They can also get people to provide personal information using deceptive tactics. The FCC investigates unfair practices and enforcing consumer protection statutes. The FCC can issue civil penalties and refer cases to the U.S. Department of Justice for criminal penalties.

One tactic used by dark pattern websites is friend spam. They trick users into giving up friend's lists on social media. The site may claim you'll find like-minded friends, but they will just spam your friends with junk that pretends it is from you. Another tactic is to disguise ads to look like site content.

Dark pattern websites are notorious for tricking people into signing up for subscriptions, where you charge your credit card every month and mail you products. It starts with an incredible deal, but the following products are full price, which is often high for mediocre quality products. Subscriptions are hard to get out of, once people realize the products keep coming. You may have t call an 800 number, where you are on hold forever.

The Network Advertising Initiative wants third-party digital advertisers to regulate themselves when it comes to privacy and data protection policies. There would be enforcement against companies that didn't protect consumer data. The Network Advertising Initiative does not want to punish companies that are trying to offer easy-to-understand information about how their data would be used.

Advertisers need to stay off dark pattern websites to avoid tarnishing their reputation. Ones who do everything in a legitimate manner should want to be associated with websites that treat consumers fairly and don’t deceive them. It's just as important as creating their own content to be open and honest with consumers. For more information click here https://morningconsult.com/opinions/dark-patterns-are-not-the-right-framework-for-regulating-privacy-choices/.