Dark Patterns
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Meta found in breach of EU law over ‘ineffective' complaints system for flagging illegal content
The Guardian· 2025-10-24 09:45
Instagram, Facebook have breached EU law by failing to provide users with simple ways to complain or flag illegal content including child sexual abuse material and terrorist content, the European Commission has said.In a preliminary finding on Friday, the EU’s executive body said Meta, the $1.8tn California company that runs the social media services, had introduced unnecessary steps in processes for users to submit reports.It said both platforms appeared to use deceptive design – known as “dark patterns” – ...
Amazon faces US trial over alleged Prime subscription tricks
TechXplore· 2025-09-22 08:31
Core Viewpoint - The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has filed a lawsuit against Amazon, alleging that the company used deceptive practices, known as "dark patterns," to enroll customers in its Prime subscription service without clear consent and made cancellation difficult [3][4][6]. Group 1: Allegations Against Amazon - The FTC's complaint claims that Amazon knowingly used confusing checkout processes to enroll customers in the $139-per-year Prime service without clear consent [4][6]. - Amazon's cancellation process is described as "labyrinthine," requiring customers to navigate a complex four-page, six-click, fifteen-option procedure to cancel their membership [8]. - The lawsuit alleges that crucial information about Prime's pricing and automatic renewal was often hidden or disclosed in fine print, misleading consumers [7][9]. Group 2: Legal Context and Implications - The case is based on the Restore Online Shoppers' Confidence Act (ROSCA), which prohibits charging consumers for internet services without clear disclosure and consent [9]. - If the FTC wins the case, Amazon could face significant financial penalties and be required to change its subscription practices under court supervision [11]. - The trial is set to last about four weeks and will rely on internal communications and documents from Amazon, as well as testimonies from executives and expert witnesses [10].