Notice: Our project came to an end on 31.07.2024. The last publication appeared in February 2025. This page will remain online as a source of information, but will no longer be updated. Thank you for your interest!
The Dark Pattern Detection Project (Dapde) examines the manipulation of consumers in a digital environment through "Dark Patterns".
"Dark patterns are design patterns that lead users to act in a certain way that is contrary to their interests, exploiting design power unilaterally in the interests of their creator."
Dapde is a joint project between the Institute of Computer Science at Heidelberg University and the German Research Institute for Public Administration in Speyer (FÖV). The Informatics Section tackles the challenge of recognizing dark patterns in online interactions with the aim of warning users of dangers early on. The Law Section develops legal answers to the challenges of steering consumers through dark patterns.
You have discovered a Dark Pattern? - Report it here and expand our collection!
The Dapde Dark Pattern Highlighter Extension source code is now publicly available on GitHub as open-source software!
Not long now, and our prototype for the Dark Pattern Highlighter is available for download on GitHub!
