T-Mobile was reported to the Deceptive Design Tip Line over the phrasing of its cookie and privacy choices. According to the report, a “Do not sell my personal information” section offers an on/off toggle for the website, but the negative framing inverts the usual convention: where most sites ask “we want to do x: do you want us to do this?”, this one effectively asks “we want to do x: do you not want us to do this?”. The report argues that adding the negative is unexpected and preys on assumptions built up from other sites.
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T-Mobile: Confusing cookie choices due to negative phrasing
“Section: “Do not sell my personal information:” Option: “on this website” Options: “on/off” Most sites ask: “we want to do x: do you want us to do this?” This site asks: “we want to do x: do you not want us to do this?” Adding the negative is unexpected, and preys on the assumptions built up from from other sites.”
Disclaimer: examples in the Hall of Shame are generally drawn from public submissions and cited sources; they have not been independently verified and may contain inaccuracies. They are presented as illustrations of design patterns, not findings of fact, unlawful conduct, or intent.