Online shopping association conducts dark-pattern compliance review, streamlines membership cancellation

The Korea Online Shopping Association said Monday that 28 member companies participating in its voluntary code on online interface operations — commonly known as the dark-pattern code — completed a self-compliance review for the first half of 2026.

The dark-pattern code has been in operation since Dec. 1 last year, following approval by the Korea Fair Trade Commission. The latest review was conducted to examine key interface elements such as membership sign-up and cancellation procedures, and to voluntarily address features that could mislead or deceive consumers.

The association said it will simplify membership cancellation procedures so consumers can more easily locate the cancellation function. Twenty-six of the 28 companies have already completed improvements, either through the current review or in response to earlier recommendations from the Korea Consumer Agency. The remaining two are currently upgrading their systems.

Beyond checking whether a cancellation button is visible, the association also reviewed the full cancellation process — including whether consumers are clearly informed of key details such as the expiration of coupons and points, and whether they are required to confirm such information before completing the cancellation.

The association plans to conduct self-compliance reviews every six months, continuously examining and improving online interfaces that could mislead or deceive consumers.

Association President Cho Seong-hyeon said the review "served as an opportunity to revisit membership cancellation procedures to improve user convenience and access to information," adding that the association would "continue working with member companies to help consumers use online services more conveniently and clearly through voluntary improvement efforts."