Japan to crack down on deceptive 'dark pattern' websites

TechnologyMisleading designs trick users into subscriptions, big purchasesIn Japan, 37.5% report encountering 'dark patterns' on online shopping sites in recent months. (Photo by Kosaku Mimura)KENSUKE MAEDAAugust 22, 2026 05:49 JSTTOKYO -- Japanese authorities will propose rules targeting websites with "dark pattern" interfaces that deceptively steer consumers toward harmful clicks, it was learned Friday.