Dark Patterns

The FTC is suing Amazon, alleging it used “dark patterns” to deceptively enroll consumers in Prime and obstruct cancellations. The FTC claims Amazon violated consumer protection laws by employing misleading interface designs, while Amazon denies these allegations, asserting transparency. A recent ruling found Amazon in violation of the Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act, potentially strengthening the FTC’s case. This trial is a critical test of the FTC’s effort to combat manipulative online designs and could have far-reaching implications for the subscription economy and Big Tech’s business practices.

TikTok’s “Goose Banquet Group Dining” trend sparked debates on content moderation after viral videos disguised coordinated financial services ads, including unregulated loans. Platforms removed content via AI audits, restricted accounts, and pledged AI-human collaboration to counter algorithmic manipulation. The incident highlights challenges in governing Web3.0 ecosystems, with industry studies noting $3.5B yearly ad losses from fake engagement and significant trust erosion risks.