Project Details
Description
Dark patterns, also known as deceptive designs, are manipulative practices in digital interfaces that mislead users into actions such as excessive data sharing or entering costly contracts, often with undesirable outcomes.
Statista (2024) projects global e-commerce revenue to reach US$4,117 billion in 2024, with an annual growth rate of 9.49%, reaching US$6,478 billion by 2029. However, alongside benefits, e-commerce poses risks like unlawful data sharing, fraud, malware, security breaches, and the use of dark patterns. There is growing interest in researching dark patterns and discussions on how to protect consumers and society from their harmful effects. The impact of these patterns can sometimes be ambiguous, and designers may unwittingly contribute to 'grey patterns.' Current research indicates that dark patterns exploit users, compromise privacy, and significantly affect socio-cultural wellbeing. Many types of dark pattern are already illegal in the UK, EU, US and in India depending on the type and context of use (Brignull, H., Leiser, M., Santos, C., & Doshi, K. 2023 and Government of India 2023).
Dark patterns have captured the interest of the HCI, Cyber Security, and AI research communities, fostering interdisciplinary research. We have been advocating, raising awareness, and campaigning for stricter regulations, and developing tools for several years (Rajput, N.S. 2023, Ratnayake, D. 2022). . This project aims to tackle the issue of dark patterns in India and UK by raising awareness, conducting joint research, developing tools, fostering industry collaboration and advocating for policy changes. to achieve the aforesaid objectives (item no. 1 – 5) between India and UK.
This project also aims to contribute to SDG targets and progress by promoting inclusive and sustainable development and fostering innovation whilst focusing on high-impact, and cost effective strategies to achieve its overarching goals of improving socioeconomic welfare (Approx. 22% of the Indian population living in poverty compared to 18%, 15% and 10% of UK, USA and EU populations respectively (UK Parliament, CIA 2024), and positive environmental impact both in India and in the UK. The inclusivity strategies in the project life cycle will be intersectionality informed.
Statista (2024) projects global e-commerce revenue to reach US$4,117 billion in 2024, with an annual growth rate of 9.49%, reaching US$6,478 billion by 2029. However, alongside benefits, e-commerce poses risks like unlawful data sharing, fraud, malware, security breaches, and the use of dark patterns. There is growing interest in researching dark patterns and discussions on how to protect consumers and society from their harmful effects. The impact of these patterns can sometimes be ambiguous, and designers may unwittingly contribute to 'grey patterns.' Current research indicates that dark patterns exploit users, compromise privacy, and significantly affect socio-cultural wellbeing. Many types of dark pattern are already illegal in the UK, EU, US and in India depending on the type and context of use (Brignull, H., Leiser, M., Santos, C., & Doshi, K. 2023 and Government of India 2023).
Dark patterns have captured the interest of the HCI, Cyber Security, and AI research communities, fostering interdisciplinary research. We have been advocating, raising awareness, and campaigning for stricter regulations, and developing tools for several years (Rajput, N.S. 2023, Ratnayake, D. 2022). . This project aims to tackle the issue of dark patterns in India and UK by raising awareness, conducting joint research, developing tools, fostering industry collaboration and advocating for policy changes. to achieve the aforesaid objectives (item no. 1 – 5) between India and UK.
This project also aims to contribute to SDG targets and progress by promoting inclusive and sustainable development and fostering innovation whilst focusing on high-impact, and cost effective strategies to achieve its overarching goals of improving socioeconomic welfare (Approx. 22% of the Indian population living in poverty compared to 18%, 15% and 10% of UK, USA and EU populations respectively (UK Parliament, CIA 2024), and positive environmental impact both in India and in the UK. The inclusivity strategies in the project life cycle will be intersectionality informed.
Layman's description
Dark patterns, also known as deceptive designs, are manipulative practices in digital interfaces that mislead users into actions such as excessive data sharing or entering costly contracts, often with undesirable outcomes. This project aims to tackle the issue of dark patterns in India and UK by raising awareness, conducting joint research, developing tools, fostering industry collaboration and advocating for policy changes.
Key findings
Objectives
1. Research Collaboration: Conduct joint research to understand the prevalence, impact, and variations of dark patterns in digital interfaces, devices and develop intelligent tools for detection and mitigation.
2. Knowledge Exchange: Facilitate the exchange of knowledge and expertise through workshops, seminars, and academic exchanges.
3. Policy Development: Develop guidelines and policy recommendations to mitigate the use of dark patterns in digital interfaces.
4. Public Awareness: Increase public awareness of dark patterns and their implications through outreach programs and publications.
5. Industry Engagement: Engage with industry stakeholders to promote ethical design practices and reduce the use of dark patterns.
1. Research Collaboration: Conduct joint research to understand the prevalence, impact, and variations of dark patterns in digital interfaces, devices and develop intelligent tools for detection and mitigation.
2. Knowledge Exchange: Facilitate the exchange of knowledge and expertise through workshops, seminars, and academic exchanges.
3. Policy Development: Develop guidelines and policy recommendations to mitigate the use of dark patterns in digital interfaces.
4. Public Awareness: Increase public awareness of dark patterns and their implications through outreach programs and publications.
5. Industry Engagement: Engage with industry stakeholders to promote ethical design practices and reduce the use of dark patterns.
Status | Active |
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Effective start/end date | 2/09/24 → 29/08/25 |
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