Automated Detection of Dark Patterns in Website Design: Enhancing User Trust and Online Transparency

Muthukumarasamy, Sundar Ayyappan (2024) Automated Detection of Dark Patterns in Website Design: Enhancing User Trust and Online Transparency. Masters thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

This project introduces a robust system for the automated detection of dark patterns on websites, aiming to enhance user protection and transparency in online interactions. Leveraging a Naive Bayes classifier trained on dark pattern categories such as Bait and Switch, Forced Continuity, Price Comparison Prevention, Hidden Costs, and Sneaking, the model achieves effective identification of deceptive design elements. The preprocessing of textual data involves employing the TFIDF vectorizer for feature extraction, optimizing the classifier's performance. Web scraping is facilitated through cloud scraping techniques and Beautiful Soup, enabling the extraction of relevant data for classification. The resulting model file is applied to classify scraped data, empowering users to make informed decisions while navigating online interfaces. This innovative approach addresses the ethical concerns associated with dark patterns and contributes to a safer and more transparent online environment.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Supervisors:	Name Email Pantridge, Michael UNSPECIFIED
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Dark pattern detection; Naive Bayes classifier; TFIDF vectorizer; Web scraping; Cloud scraper; User protection; Transparency; Deceptive design; Online ethics
Subjects:	Q Science > QA Mathematics > Electronic computers. Computer science T Technology > T Technology (General) > Information Technology > Electronic computers. Computer science Q Science > QA Mathematics > Computer software > Computer Security T Technology > T Technology (General) > Information Technology > Computer software > Computer Security Z Bibliography. Library Science. Information Resources > ZA Information resources > ZA4150 Computer Network Resources > The Internet > World Wide Web > Websites > Website Design T Technology > TK Electrical engineering. Electronics. Nuclear engineering > Telecommunications > The Internet > World Wide Web > Websites > Website Design Q Science > QA Mathematics > Computer software > Website Design T Technology > T Technology (General) > Information Technology > Computer software > Website Design
Divisions:	School of Computing > Master of Science in Cyber Security
Depositing User:	Ciara O'Brien
Date Deposited:	25 Jul 2025 15:32
Last Modified:	25 Jul 2025 15:32
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/8232

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