EU proposes rules banning deceptive 'dark patterns' in websites and apps

The European Commission has proposed a regulation that expressly prohibits deceptive interface designs, known as dark patterns, on websites and apps aimed at users in the European Economic Area. The draft lists twelve banned practices, including confirmshaming, forced continuity, sneaking items into baskets, and hidden costs. Companies would have to make every user commitment clearly explained and accessible, and firms with more than 250,000 annual active users would face yearly usability audits. Violations could bring fines of up to 4% of global annual turnover or 20 million euros, whichever is higher. The rules would apply to any entity offering goods or services to EEA users, regardless of where it is based.