FairPatterns at the OECD Consumer Policy Ministerial Meeting: Shedding Light on Dark Patterns

At FairPatterns, we are thrilled to have had the opportunity to contribute to the OECD Consumer Policy Ministerial Meeting held on 8-9 October. Our video, shared with ministers and high-level representatives from over 50 countries, underscores the pervasive issue of dark patterns and the impact they have on everyday online interactions.

Bringing Awareness to Deceptive Design

Dark patterns—manipulative design tactics that steer users into making decisions they might not otherwise choose—are all too common in the digital landscape. For this video, we chose a relatable scenario: buying a plane ticket. This familiar process serves as a powerful example of how misleading design tactics appear at every stage of the consumer journey, from unclear pricing to upselling add-ons.

The result? Consumers are often left overspending or making decisions they didn't fully intend, leading to significant financial and emotional costs.

Watch the Video

The video demonstrates how deceptive design can infiltrate even the simplest online actions. Explore the full story by watching the video in your preferred language:

• Watch the English Version
• Regardez la version française

Why This Matters

As we illustrated in the video, deceptive design isn't just an inconvenience; it's a global challenge. By presenting this message at a ministerial level, we aim to foster dialogue and action to combat dark patterns and promote fairness in the digital ecosystem.

Looking Ahead

We’re honored to be part of this critical conversation and remain committed to our mission of empowering businesses and individuals to create transparent and ethical digital experiences.

Watch the video to see how dark patterns manifest in the seemingly simple task of buying a plane ticket—and how they can lead to massive financial damages.

Together, let’s work towards a fairer, more trustworthy digital world.