Dark Pattern
Also known as: deceptive design
A user-interface choice that tricks people into doing something they didn't intend.
Dark patterns exploit visual hierarchy, default selection, friction and urgency to steer users toward outcomes that benefit the business at the user's expense. Classic examples include pre-ticked marketing checkboxes, hidden unsubscribe links and 'Reject all' buttons that take three more clicks than 'Accept all'.
Regulators are starting to treat dark patterns as invalid consent. Many cookie-banner blockers help by removing the banner entirely or by auto-clicking the genuinely neutral option.