Dark Patterns Watch: 2024’s Top News and Cases Consumers Should Know

In 2024, dark patterns like manipulative design tactics that deceive users have taken center stage globally. Governments, regulators, and consumers are cracking down on deceptive practices that obscure true choices, mislead decisions, and violate trust. From airline fees to Big Tech lawsuits and revolutionary legislation, the battle for transparency and fairness has never been fiercer.

Whether it’s groundbreaking lawsuits, innovative tools, or powerful regulations, this blog rounds up the top 24 stories redefining the digital playing field—and shows how companies like FairPatterns are helping businesses stay ahead of compliance while prioritizing consumer trust.

Top News and Cases in Dark Patterns

Regulatory Actions and Developments

1. FTC: Changing T&Cs May Be Deceptive The FTC warns that quietly updating terms and conditions without user awareness could qualify as unfair or deceptive, signalling stricter oversight of hidden practices.
2. India’s Dark Patterns Alert App India plans to launch a revolutionary app that identifies deceptive online practices, empowering consumers to make more informed decisions.
3. EU Fines Apple for Music Streaming Rules Apple faces fines from the European Commission for enforcing anti-competitive policies in its App Store, creating a ripple effect across the industry.
4. AI Browser Plug-in Fights Deceptive Design A cutting-edge AI browser tool helps users identify and avoid dark patterns in real-time, marking a step forward in consumer empowerment.
5. American Privacy Rights Act This new U.S. law focuses on enhancing transparency and holding businesses accountable for manipulative tactics and data privacy violations.
6. EU Artificial Intelligence Act The EU’s landmark AI Act establishes rules to prevent manipulative algorithms, setting a global precedent for ethical AI practices.
7. Swiss Federal Act on Data Protection Switzerland updates its data protection laws to align with global standards, targeting manipulative practices and prioritizing user privacy.
8. Australia to Ban Unfair Business Practices Australia announces plans for a legislative ban on unfair business tactics, reinforcing its commitment to consumer protection.
   
   

High-Profile Investigations and Lawsuits

1. EU vs. AliExpress Under DSA The EU investigates AliExpress for potential violations of the Digital Services Act, focusing on deceptive pricing and lack of transparency.
2. CNIL vs. BeReal France’s data protection authority, CNIL, probes BeReal for potential manipulation in its app design, highlighting concerns over dark patterns in social apps.
3. EU Commission vs. TikTok Lite The European Commission investigates TikTok Lite’s compliance with the Digital Services Act, targeting user safety and ethical practices.
4. FTC vs. Amazon (Prime Subscription) Amazon faces a lawsuit for allegedly tricking users into subscribing to Prime without clear consent, sparking debate over ethical subscription models.
5. Class Action: Amazon's Fake Sale Prices A class-action lawsuit accuses Amazon of inflating discounts on Fire TVs, misleading customers about the value of its deals.
6. Hilton Hidden Fees Lawsuit Hilton Worldwide faces legal action for allegedly hiding fees in its hotel booking system, fuelling calls for pricing transparency.
7. Settlement with Phone Giants Telecom companies settles a multistate lawsuit over hidden fees, paying millions in penalties and committing to transparent billing practices.
8. Bank of America Class Action A settlement resolves allegations against Bank of America for charging unauthorized fees, spotlighting hidden costs in financial services.
9. Meta Sued by School Districts School districts sued Meta, claiming its algorithms exacerbate student mental health issues by fostering an addiction to social media platforms.
10. EU Commission vs. Temu and Shein The EU probes Temu and Shein for compliance with the Digital Services Act, scrutinizing their practices for transparency and fairness.
    
    

Consumer Advocacy and Corporate Responsibility

1. Algos Victima vs. TikTok in France Seven families sue TikTok, alleging the platform’s algorithm negatively influenced their children, raising concerns over user safety and ethical AI.
2. Airline Fees Criticized for Deceptive Practices The airline industry faces backlash for burying billions in hidden fees, sparking global discussions about transparent pricing in travel.
3. BEUC Report on Big Tech DMA Compliance The BEUC released a report exposing how Big Tech companies manipulate users despite the Digital Markets Act, urging stricter enforcement.
4. FTC vs. Uber One The FTC investigates Uber’s subscription service for potential deceptive practices, signalling growing scrutiny of subscription-based models.
5. Class Action vs. Amazon for Fire TVs A lawsuit claims Amazon falsely advertised discounts on Fire TVs, adding to its growing reputation for questionable sales tactics.
6. AI Browser Plug-in for Ethical Design This new browser tool helps users navigate deceptive interfaces, bridging the gap between tech innovation and ethical practices.
   
   

From consumers unknowingly signing up for subscriptions to hidden fees in everything from airlines to hotels, dark patterns are everywhere. In 2024, regulators and courts made it clear: deceptive design will no longer go unchecked.

This changing landscape presents opportunities for businesses to rebuild trust and align with ethical practices. That’s where FairPatterns comes in.

FairPatterns is a trailblazer in combating dark patterns. With tools like Dark Pattern Screening, Fair User Lab, and Legal Document Design, businesses can:

• Ensure compliance with emerging laws like the AI Act and the Digital Services Act.
• Build consumer trust by eliminating deceptive practices.
• Avoid legal risks by staying ahead of global regulations.

FairPatterns helps brands transform compliance into a competitive advantage, empowering them to deliver transparent, user-friendly experiences while protecting consumers and avoiding costly fines.

2025 is the year of accountability and fairness. How will your business adapt? Reach out to FairPatterns today to lead with transparency and innovation.

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