GVH: illegal, hidden influence in online trade is spreading

According to the information, the Consumer Protection Cooperation Network (CPC) of the European Commission and the member states’ authorities coordinated a rapid investigation covering 25 countries to assess the presence of “dark patterns” in online commerce. The investigation covered almost 400 online stores across Europe, from clothing stores to electronics. They focused on three well-known manipulative practices, false countdowns, over-buying websites and information hiding.

It was highlighted in the announcement that, based on the results, almost 40 percent of the websites used one of the three illegal techniques. 42 stores urged consumers with a fake countdown, and 54 websites directed customers to choices that serve the interests of retailers – for example, more expensive products or delivery options – with the design and language of the interface. According to the survey, 70 websites hid important information, such as shipping costs, product composition or cheaper options, and 23 websites tried to persuade consumers to sign up for a subscription using the same technique. The investigation also extended to the applications of the stores, in 27 cases out of 102, some “dark pattern” appeared – it was detailed in the announcement.