OECD members: Issued OECD Report on Dark Commercial Patterns

On 26 October 2022, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) issued a report on dark commercial patterns. The report highlights the issues surrounding consumers who might be tricked, deceived or manipulated into making certain decisions that are not always beneficial to them. In its report, OECD defines "dark commercial patterns" and sets out possible regulation and enforcement mechanisms that could support consumer protection agencies and businesses alike in mitigating the harmful effects of dark commercial patterns. Furthermore, the report notes that the dark patterns are predominantly employed by online platforms and the most used techniques include hiding costs, adding costs after agreeing to certain conditions or using confusing language to misdirect consumers.