Online shopping has become part of our daily lives, but some websites use manipulative tactics to increase sales and gather personal information. Fortunately, California has strong laws to protect shoppers from these deceptive practices.
What are dark patterns?
Think of “dark patterns” as digital tricks. It’s like a store hiding the real price until you are at the checkout, or pressuring you with countdown timers. These tricks can make you buy things you do not really want.
California’s groundbreaking protection
California’s Dark Patterns Law has established strict requirements for online retailers. The law mandates them to show all fees upfront and make it easy to cancel subscriptions. Online sellers must let you decline additional purchases and use clear, honest language in their communications.
Watch out for these common tricks
Staying vigilant means recognizing common misleading practices. Keep an eye out for pre-checked boxes that secretly add items to your cart. Be wary of perpetual “limited time” offers that never expire. Watch out for hidden fees that appear only at final checkout and subscription services cleverly disguised as one-time purchases.
Know your rights
If you encounter dark patterns, you have options. You can ask for a refund of unauthorized charges. You can report the company to consumer protection agencies. If necessary, you can even take legal action to recover your money.
What you can do
While awareness of these tactics is important, businesses sometimes still violate consumer protection laws. Take screenshots of misleading pages when you see them. Save all your emails and receipts from online purchases. If you think a company has violated your rights, consider contacting a consumer protection lawyer. Remember, you have the right to fair and honest shopping experiences online. If something feels wrong, know that California law is on your side.