Federal Trade Commission Warns of Sophisticated ‘Dark Patterns’ Used to Trick Consumers

LendingClub banners hang on the facade of the New York Stock Exchange for it's IPO on Dec. 11, 2014. Don Emmert/AFP/Getty Images

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) released a report Thursday about how companies deploy “dark patterns” in advertising for enticing potential customers, manipulating them into making purchases and giving up their privacy in the process.

“Our report shows how more and more companies are using digital dark patterns to trick people into buying products and giving away their personal information,” said Samuel Levine, director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “This report—and our cases—send a clear message that these traps will not be tolerated.”