The Polish competition authority, UOKiK, joined a global review of 642 internet platforms to identify dark patterns, with over 75% found to engage in at least one such manipulative practice.

The most common issue discovered by UOKiK on the examined websites was preselection, where options are chosen for consumers without their input.

Dark patterns are tactics used by businesses to manipulate consumer behavior online, such as fake countdown timers or misleading information about product popularity.

UOKiK is actively involved in international cooperation efforts to combat unfair sales practices, including through projects like using Artificial Intelligence to detect and combat dark patterns in e-commerce.

Since 1996, UOKiK has been part of the International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network (ICPEN), collaborating with over 70 countries to protect consumer rights globally.

UOKiK's initiatives align with the Global Privacy Enforcement Network (GPEN) to enhance cross-border cooperation in safeguarding consumer privacy, with both networks publishing reports on their findings.