Dark Patterns

User interface designs that trick or manipulate users into taking actions they did not intend, such as subscribing to services, sharing personal data, or accepting unfavorable terms. In the context of privacy, dark patterns in cookie notices might include pre-selected consent checkboxes, confusing button labels, or making the reject option harder to find than accept. Dark patterns are particularly harmful for users with cognitive disabilities or those using assistive technology, as the deceptive elements may be even harder to detect when navigating with a screen reader or when cognitive load is already high.