Santa’s dark web tactics include disguised ads, buried words, and ominous claims that he knows when you’re asleep and when you’re awake.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) released its annual report (the “report”) before the end of the year, describing it as “a ‘dark pattern’ in deceiving consumers into purchasing or giving up on products and services.” It explains that companies are increasingly using well-known and sophisticated design techniques. their privacy. “[1] Although not specifically identified in this report, sources say Santa is increasingly using “dark patterns” to tell when 2 billion children around the world are asleep or awake. I am discovering whether I am asleep or awake, when it is bad or good, and other things. Personally identifiable information (e.g. have you ever seen your mom kissing Santa Claus).
The report revealed that the “dark pattern” had nothing to do with the ugly Christmas sweater designs. However, according to a confidential source, the FTC said in several imminent enforcement actions that selling, advertising, or displaying such sweaters, especially those depicting Santa as a dog or cat, would be “unfair and extremely disrespectful.” I intend to claim that it violates “nuisance” conduct and practices. Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act. (No action has been taken yet regarding the new phenomenon of ugly Hanukkah sweaters; but another dance latke and FTC had.)
FTC whistleblowers say about 1.8 billion of the 2 billion children with whom Santa has contact are under the age of 13, so any attempt to extract personal information from these children would result in It claims to violate the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (aka “CHILLIN”). Verifiable Parental ConsentAmong the several enforcement proceedings the FTC has in place to validate its position, Santa’s attorneys defended on the grounds that (1) parents have always wanted Santa to provide this information; (for the purposes of gifts and the occasional kidnapping). (2) It is unconstitutional to prohibit a sensible child between the ages of 10 and 13 from sharing names and contact data until consent is obtained from an adult. But in response to Santa, several federal courts have ruled that CHILLIN’ requires parental consent.th Circuit famously stated: Given his highly seasonal business (which only takes place for his six hours on December 25 each year), Klaus recommends refraining from further attacks on his parents.th) depends heavily on their generosity, guilt and gullibility. “
The report also says that toy companies are increasingly using sophisticated “dark patterns” to trick or manipulate children into stopping use after 10 minutes due to boredom or breakage, and to commit extreme crimes their parents never agree to. shows you how to add expensive products to your holiday gift list. I will buy it unless I fall victim to a scam (or get hooked on eggnog). The report identifies several new and specific dark tactics such as:
- Phishing: In effect, it encourages children to enter their parents into raffles and win phishing tickets by submitting their parents’ bank account information. No fish concert: that is red hot chili peppers.
- Spear phishing: It’s a similar ploy, except using a Britney Spears concert ticket as a lure. Although less successful, this still traps many innocent children and adolescent boys. phishing tactics to be more effective.
- Fisher price: (to use official FTC terminology) children hood wink Also deception You’ll end up signing up for expensive Toy Club of the Month programs from established manufacturers, but exiting these programs is nearly impossible (like canceling an Apple TV subscription or spending holiday dinners with your parents). ).
- Phishing: Force children to share family banking information by threatening to expose them as bedwetting. This is less common, butnocturia” Fraud. (FTC states “fishing” this”Flushing” scam and the threat of spreading fake and embarrassing toilet blockage incidents are used to extract similar information. )
- Cookie Monster: If a child visiting a website is asked if they “accept cookies”, malicious attackers Almost all children click yes. Imagine their disappointment when they received GIFs and log files instead of chocolate chips and oatmeal raisins.
new”I will cook this tonight A scam (the infamous “Peanut butter and jelly omeletscams and kimchi recipes), the report found that companies used digital dark patterns to trick adults into buying Christmas gifts that no one wanted in the history of gift-giving, such as houseplants and scented candles. It also explains how to continue. The entire section has the infamous “fun dress dad’s socks” exercise).
A five-member committee approved the publication of this staff report by a 3-0 vote in an online meeting. (Of her two absent commissioners, one fell victim to a ransomware attack and her other is waiting for deposits from West Africa to be cleared.)
______
[1] This Christmas-themed article is loosely “inspired” by this actual FTC news release related to the FTC’s annual pre-holiday report. If you want to learn more about digital dark tactics and consumer fraud, see: Federal Trade Commission.
service deposit photo
Author alistairjcotton
ID: 18230631
