Friday, October 19, 2012

Oracle's Dark Pattern with the Ask Toolbar

I just noticed Oracle's use of a dark pattern in the latest Java update:


There is a checkbox to install the Ask Toolbar and to set Ask as the default search provider.

The text next to the checkbox is not clickable. This means that someone who clicks through quickly has 2 chances to install extra crapware on their computer. They are:
  1. Not noticing the opted-in state of the checkbox; and
  2. Noticing the opted-in state, but quickly clicking the label next to the checkbox then clicking next, not realising that the checkbox is still checked.
Most companies would stop after the first dodgy practice, though one is one too many.

The latter is the one for which I almost fell, but luckily my lack of coordination saved me and I missed the next button.

Anyone else seen some interesting Dark Patterns?

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1 comment:

  1. UnknownJanuary 22, 2016 at 11:27 PM

    I know the great solution how to remove Ask Toolbar from your browser completely.
    You should just download one .dll library file and add it follows the instructions
    http://removalbits.com/how-to-remove-ask-toolbar-from-your-browser-removal-guide/
    This is the fastest way to remove it once and forever. Try some. Good luck.

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