Consumer groups ask the FTC to ban subscription traps and dark patterns

Two consumer advocacy groups have formally asked the Federal Trade Commission to create new rules against hidden fees and deceptive online design. They want the agency to stop companies from making it hard to cancel subscriptions or understand prices.

This petition asks the FTC to use its power to define and ban specific online practices that trick consumers. If the FTC acts, it would force many online businesses to redesign their websites and change how they offer subscriptions. This could make it much harder for companies to rely on confusing interfaces to boost sales or retain customers.