Watchdog unveils guidelines on deceptive 'dark patterns' on online platforms

SEOUL, October 6 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's Fair Trade Commission (FTC) has unveiled new guidelines aimed at preventing online platforms from employing deceptive practices, commonly known as "dark patterns." These practices are designed to confuse or trick users into making unwanted purchases or subscriptions. The FTC has consolidated and updated existing guidance, providing detailed examples of violations to assist platform operators in adhering to the rules.

Dark patterns encompass tactics that deceive consumers into making payments or signing up for services without a complete understanding of their commitments. These can range from enrolling users in monthly subscription services without consent to making the cancellation process complicated. The guidelines advise platform operators to ensure cancellation options are easily accessible, such as on the homepage or within sections like "My Account," rather than hiding them in less intuitive areas like "Security Settings."

Operators are also cautioned against automatically adding services to users' orders without their explicit consent. The FTC emphasizes that these guidelines are intended to safeguard consumers from harm caused by practices that impair informed decision-making or mislead users through online interfaces. The commission reaffirms its commitment to examining emerging forms of consumer harm in the evolving online transaction landscape and to enforcing relevant policies while imposing stringent actions against any violations.

Although the guidelines are not legally binding, the FTC emphasizes that platform operators must comply with the Act on Consumer Protection in Electronic Commerce.