Global Scans · MSL: Dark Patterns · Weekly Summary

• [New] MIT research warns of negative welfare effects through addictive or manipulative algorithms, similar to social media impacts, and sophisticated security threats. eduKate Tuition Centre
• [New] India's CCPA has warned over 50 e-commerce, fintech, ride-hailing, and travel apps to eliminate deceptive dark patterns like false urgency and basket sneaking within three months through self-audits, threatening penalties for non-compliance. EnKash
• [New] The FTC has been particularly vocal, warning companies against selling biased or ineffective AI and asserting it will prosecute deceptive claims about AI performance or uses that lead to harm (e.g. biased hiring algorithms violating employment laws). Global Institute for National Capability
• [New] More recently, the Federal Trade Commission warns of sophisticated dark patterns tactics that aim to trick online consumers. Science Direct
• [New] The UK government is set to hand the Competition and Markets Authority new powers to clamp down on the misleading practice, which threatens to damage consumer trust in ecommerce. Raconteur
• [New] The FTC will continue to vigorously protect Americans from dark patterns and other unfair or deceptive practices in digital markets. National Technology News
• [New] The FTC has repeatedly warned online firms against using dark patterns to manipulate shoppers. BBC News
• [New] The $245 million in customer refunds will go to players who fell victim to so-called dark patterns and billing practices. / USA Hindustan Times
• [New] Epic Games will pay $245 million to refund consumers duped by so-called dark patterns into making purchases they did not intend to make. Express Audio
• [New] Epic Games will pay another record-breaking sum of $245 million in refunds to consumers for its dark patterns and billing practices, which is the FTC's largest refund amount in a gaming case, and its largest administrative order in history. Fast Company
• [New] Dark patterns are a point of emphasis for the new state privacy laws going into effect in 2023 in California, Colorado, and Connecticut. JD Supra
• [New] The European Commission is expected to issue guidance on the types of practices that constitute dark patterns under the DSA. Privacy & Information Security Law Blog
• [New] The FTC stated that it will continue to take action against companies that deploy dark patterns. Consumer Protection Review
• [New] The FTC will continue its crackdown on digital dark patterns that harm consumers and pollute online commerce. FinExtra
• [New] Apps and sites caught using dark patterns could now be penalized by State AGs in addition to the FTC. AdExchanger
• [New] In order to reduce the risk of regulatory sanctions and the potential for consumer class actions, online platforms and publishers should be mindful of the increasing focus on dark patterns by US and European regulatory authorities. Consumer Privacy World
• [New] Google is accused of using so-called Dark Patterns, marketing techniques that deliberately confuse users and a study carried out by researchers at Princeton University found up to two billion Android and Apple devices could be affected. Cyber Security Intelligence
• [New] Late last year, the FTC warned in an enforcement policy letter and press release that it would increase its enforcement activity against illegal dark patterns. / USA Morrison Foerster
• [New] Starting in 2023, the CPRA [California Privacy Rights Act] will bar the use of dark patterns when users are asked to consent to information sharing. Stanford Law School
• [New] A key European Parliament committee agreed on Tuesday to a ban on dark patterns that trick web users and advertising targeting minors as part of new rules aimed at U.S. tech giants, taking a tougher stand that could spell trouble in forthcoming negotiations with EU countries. CNA

Last updated: 30 October 2025