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Sneaky user interfaces, such as unwanted bundleware default checkboxes are now expanding into digital newspaper subscriptions. The Boston Globe's site uses lightly-colored close buttons and increases the price as the user goes through the sales process, as well as includes some newsletter-signup defaults. These dishonest-by-design interface elements that are intended to trick or obfuscate users are called dark patterns.
What are some of the most egregious examples you have seen? Have you even been asked to implement a design you found morally distasteful?
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Sneaky Sales and Pricing Practices Online
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Do not use if foil seal is broken.
(Score: 1) by Francis on Tuesday April 26 2016, @02:12PM
Pretty much. I think the only real way of combating the most egregious examples is to use prepaid cards or those virtual cards that some credit card issuers offer. Just input an expiration date prior to the date of renewal or put a limit on it's that so low that the renewal fails.
It's going to be hard for the merchant to argue that you intended to have a subscription if the card expires and you don't go to their site and update the information.
Most of the other stuff isn't quite as bad as you can just not buy. There's usually another option that isn't as slimy. It's mostly things like cellphones, ISPs and Cable companies that don't have a good alternative other than doing without. And those problems are primarily regulatory and probably won't be fixed as long as you've got politicians taking money from corporations that make all of their money through slimy business tactics.