Dark Pattern Detection Project (Dapde)

Manipulative interfaces are pervasive on the Internet, particularly in the domain of online shopping. Consumers are persistently confronted with mechanisms that are designed to influence them to make hasty (purchasing) decisions that are incongruent with their interests or even contradictory. Furthermore, examples of dark patterns include subscription traps, trick questions and bait-and-switch tactics. In addition to legal solutions, the project has also developed technical support for consumers. The prototype, currently known as the 'Dark Pattern Blocker', has been developed by a cooperation partner at the University of Heidelberg. It functions similarly to an ad blocker, identifying and neutralising dark patterns. The prototype can recognise and flag specific dark patterns, highlight them for the user, and provide an explanation of their impact. The DaPDE team at the National Institute for Public Administration Germany is examining the technical aspects to ensure they align with legal standards.
(Some publications are in German.)
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