Threat of Online Fraud Increases, Department of IKK IPB University Invites Consumers to Beware of Dark Patterns
Currently, the threat of online fraud through manipulative web design patterns (dark patterns) is increasing. Dark pattern practices often involve interfaces on online platforms that are deceptive and harmful to consumers.
One that is often encountered is the trick that the product promo will end soon, but the seller does not explain when exactly. In the end, consumers are often trapped in this pattern due to their lack of understanding and awareness of dark patterns when surfing the internet. Moreover, they are easily seduced by attractive benefits and advertisements.
As an effort to increase public awareness as consumers of the dangers of dark patterns, the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences (IKK), Faculty of Human Ecology (FEMA) IPB University recently held a Webinar Family Talk Series 2024 with the topic ‘The Threat of Web Design Manipulative Patterns (Dark Pattern) to Consumers in Indonesia: Regulation, Detection, and Prevention’ online.
On this occasion, Dr I Nyoman Adhiarna, Secretary of the Directorate General of Informatics Applications, Ministry of Communication and Informatics (Kominfo) of the Republic of Indonesia as a resource person explained that the government seeks to uphold a safe, fair and accountable digital ecosystem through the regulation of electronic systems and ITE.
“The European Union Digital Service Act (DSA) regulation often becomes our reference regarding illegal content, disinformation, and advertising transparency. We also plan to make a similar regulation in 2025,” he explained.
However, according to him, the most important thing is consumer vigilance and understanding of their responsibilities as consumers. “The obligation of consumers in this digital era is to be smarter, careful, and cautious because we don’t meet directly with the seller so we have to be really aware and care (about the dangers of dark patterns),” Dr I Nyoman concluded.
Consumer efforts in preventing dark patterns can include being careful when reading information instructions and usage procedures, participating in monitoring and reporting platforms suspected of dark patterns, not providing personal data carelessly, and being aware of all forms of digital advertisements that look ‘attractive’.
“We are trying to encourage increased digital literacy in the community and provide content complaint facilities to enforce this,” he added.
Dr Lilik Noor Yulianti, Chief of the Division of Consumer Science and Family Economics, Department of IKK IPB University also agreed that the formation of smart consumers and the enforcement of consumer rights are some of the ways to prevent the dark pattern trap.
The fact of dark patterns in the community when making transactions reveals that the ability of the public to detect dark pattern practices is low. Awareness of the dangers is also moderate.
“Most consumers who are trapped in dark patterns do not know the form of the practice, the complaint procedure, or underestimate the incident,” she said.
Dr Lilik said that being a smart consumer is a responsibility, so understanding the forms of dark patterns is very important. These include confirm-shaming, sneak into basket, visual interfaces, and roach model.
“Consumers are sometimes trapped between wants and needs so they often make irrational transactions, so we must be vigilant and use rationality,” she explained.
In addition, she added, consumers must be able to read carefully and not rush to make decisions because they are tempted by attractive offers. Consumer rights are also important to learn because it will help limit potential losses and not get trapped in dark patterns. (MW/Rz) (IAAS/RUM)
