What are Dark Patterns?

About Dark Patterns:

• Dark patterns are deceptive and manipulative user interface (UI) design techniquesemployed by websites, apps, and other digital platforms to trick or manipulate users into taking actions they may not intend to take or to make decisions that are not in their best interest.
• It is a deceptive practice employed to influence user behaviour in a way that benefits the company implementing it.
• The term “dark patterns” was coined in 2010 by Harry Brignull, a user experience specialist.
• These patterns are often used to encourage users to sign up for services, make purchases, or share personal information, among other things.
• Dark patterns exploit cognitive biases and psychological principles to influence user behavior.
• They can range from subtle and mildly misleading to overtly aggressive tactics.
• There are different kinds of dark patterns: Friend spam, forced continuity, disguised ads, confirm shaming, bait and switch, hidden costs, roach motel, privacy zuckering, misdirection, price comparison prevention, trick questions and sneak into basket.
  • For Example: 'Confirm shaming' means using a phrase, video, audio, or any other means to create a sense of fear, shame, ridicule, or guilt in the mind of the user so as to nudge the user to act in a certain way.
• In November 2023, the Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India, released guidelines for 13 dark patterns.
  • According to these guidelines, the use of any of these prescribed dark patterns amounts to a misleading advertisement, an unfair trade practice, or a violation of consumer rights.