The New York Times was reported to the Deceptive Design Tip Line over its subscription cancellation process. According to the report, instead of providing a direct button to cancel, the company requires the customer to chat with a customer-care advocate or telephone the company within certain business hours in order to cancel.
‹ All examples New York Times
The New York Times: Forces users to chat or call to cancel subscriptions
“Instead of providing a direct button to cancel your subscription, a person must chat with a customer care advocate or call the company within certain business hours to cancel. This dark pattern was publicly shared on Twitter by @melanie_seibert .”
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.