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Parents scrambling for educational resources for their kids shouldn't be exploited by corporate scammers.
Today, the @FTC announced a $10 million action against @ABCmouse, a learning app that that used dark patterns to trick and trap families into paid subscriptions.
Today, the @FTC announced a $10 million action against @ABCmouse, a learning app that that used dark patterns to trick and trap families into paid subscriptions.
Dark patterns are design features used to deceive, steer, or manipulate users into behavior that is profitable for an online service, but often harmful to users or contrary to their intent. Dark patterns exist across the digital world.
One dark pattern tactic is called the "roach motel,” where companies make it easy to sign up or subscribe, but extremely difficult to cancel or get a refund. @ABCmouse was undoubtedly a roach motel. https://darkpatterns.org/types-of-dark-pattern/roach-motel.html @harrybr
The @FTC needs to combat dark patterns so we can contain the spread of digital deception. If you are a designer concerned about dark patterns or wish to be an informant, please file a confidential complaint with the FTC or contact my office. https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/public_statements/1579927/172_3086_abcmouse_-_rchopra_statement.pdf
