Dark Patterns and Consumer Well-Being: Insights from Chandni Gupta

In this episode of Fair Patterns: Regain Your Freedom Online, we welcome Chandni Gupta, Deputy CEO and Digital Policy Director at the Consumer Policy Research Centre (CPRC), Australia’s leading consumer policy think tank. Chandni shares insights from CPRC’s 2022 report, Duped by Design, which revealed that 83% of Australians have experienced negative consequences from dark patterns—deceptive online designs that manipulate users.

We discuss how dark patterns not only lead to financial losses but also affect privacy, mental well-being, and consumer trust. Chandni highlights the legal gaps in Australia, where 8 out of 10 dark patterns remain legal, and contrasts this with stronger protections in the U.S. and Europe.

Chandni also emphasizes the role of businesses in improving the online experience by rethinking design practices to build trust. Finally, she shares insights from her Churchill Fellowship, which focuses on finding global solutions to protect consumers from digital harm.

For more insights, check out Chandni’s research and fellowship:

• Duped by Design – Manipulative online design: Dark patterns in Australia
• Let Me Out – Subscription trap practices in Australia
• Cost of managing your privacy
• Chandni’s Churchill Fellowship

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