As a team of designers and researchers, we are passionate about identifying dark patterns and unethical design examples on the internet. Our collection serves as a cautionary guide for companies, providing examples of manipulative design techniques that should be avoided at all costs. These patterns are specifically designed to deceive and manipulate users into taking actions they did not intend.
HallofShame.com is inspired by Deceptive.design, created by Harry Brignull, who coined the term "Dark Pattern" on 28 July 2010.
And as was stated by Harry on Darkpatterns.org:
The purpose of this website is to spread awareness and to shame companies that use them.
The world must know its "heroes."
Read us on Telegram - https://t.me/darkpatterns
Dark patterns are subject to various laws in many countries of the European Union, United States, Canada, etc., with the specific regulations depending on the nature and context of the practices.
European Union
In the EU, several directives and regulations aim to protect consumers and create a fairer online environment:
- Unfair Commercial Practices Directive (UCPD)
- General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
- Digital Services Act (DSA)
- Digital Markets Act (DMA)
These regulations collectively work to curb the use of deceptive patterns and ensure transparency and fairness.
United States
In the U.S., federal and state laws that address dark pattern practices include:
- Federal Trade Commission Act (FTC Act)
- Restore Online Shoppers' Confidence Act (ROSCA)
- California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA)
- Colorado Privacy Act (CPA)
Canada
These laws and many others provide mechanisms to combat deceptive practices and protect consumers from misleading or unfair tactics.
Disclaimer
Content from this website should not be interpreted as legal advice.