FTC Seeks Public Comment on Dark Patterns Topics ahead of Workshop

The Federal Trade Commission is seeking comment on topics related to the use of digital “dark patterns,” a range of potentially deceptive or unfair user interface designs used on websites and mobile apps, that will be discussed at the agency’s April 29, 2021 workshop.

The FTC is seeking comment on several topics that will be discussed at the workshop, Bringing Dark Patterns to Light: An FTC Workshop, including:

  • The definition of dark patterns;
  • The prevalence of dark patterns in the marketplace;
  • The use of artificial intelligence and machine learning to design and deliver dark patterns;
  • The effectiveness of dark patterns at influencing consumer choice, decision-making, or behavior;
  • The harms dark patterns pose to consumers or competition; and
  • Ways to prevent, mitigate, and remediate the harmful effects of dark patterns.

More information about the request for comments and how to submit a comment can be found on the event page. Comments are due May 29, 2021 and will be posted to Regulations.gov.

The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition and to protect and educate consumers. You can learn more about consumer topics and report scams, fraud, and bad business practices online at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Like the FTC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, get consumer alerts, read our blogs, and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources.

CONTACT INFORMATION


Media Contact:
Office of Public Affairs
202-326-2924

https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2021/04/ftc-seeks-public-comment-dark-patterns-topics-ahead-workshop

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