Venmo was reported to the Deceptive Design Tip Line over the way customers can opt out of mandatory arbitration. According to the report, opting out of arbitration requires physically mailing the company a piece of paper, whereas continuing to use the service and thereby agreeing to mandatory arbitration requires no such effort. The reporter pointed to the agreement to arbitrate section of Venmo’s US user agreement.
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Venmo: Opt-out requires mailing a physical letter
“Venmo’s arbitration opt-out requires literally mailing them a piece of paper. Of course, continuing to use the service and agree to their mandatory arbitration does not require that. See the agreement to arbitrate section here – https://venmo.com/legal/us-user-agreement/ https://twitter.com/KendraSerra/status/1517520309183606786/photo/1”
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.