Canada’s privacy commissioner says a review of websites and mobile apps found that deceptive design patterns that make it difficult to protect people’s privacy are not only widespread, but often worse among those aimed at children.
The findings are based on an analysis conducted earlier this year of more than 1,000 websites and mobile apps by the commission, as well as 25 privacy enforcement authorities from across Canada and around the world.
The global report found that 97% of websites and apps reviewed used one or more misleading design patterns that could trick people into disclosing more personal information online.
The report also found that more than 89% of privacy policies were lengthy or used complex, academic-level language.
The commission said emphasizing privacy options, using neutral language, clearly presenting choices and reducing the number of clicks it takes for a user to find information, log out or delete an account are all ways to help users better protect their privacy.
Privacy Commissioner Philippe Dufresne says websites and apps must be designed with privacy in mind, which means providing privacy-friendly default settings and making confidential information easy to find.
“Building privacy by default and by design helps serve the best interests of individuals and earns their trust by providing an online experience free from influence, manipulation and coercion,” Dufresne said in a statement.
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