Sejong, December 1, 2025 — The Korean Fair Trade Commission approved a new voluntary code drafted by the Korea Online Shopping Association to prevent deceptive online interface practices, known as dark patterns, with the rules taking effect today.
Background
Amendments to the E-commerce Consumer Protection Act, in force since February, prohibit six types of dark patterns in online transactions — sequential price disclosure, misleading hierarchies, preselected options, barriers to cancellation or withdrawal, persistent interference and hidden subscription renewals. Regulators have said, however, that strict enforcement must be paired with industry cooperation to ensure stronger consumer protection.
Under Article 21-3 of the amended law, businesses or trade groups may adopt voluntary standards to prevent violations. The association, which represents major domestic e-commerce platforms, submitted its draft code to the authority for review. Following deliberation in early November, the authority approved the code.
Implementation and Scope
The voluntary code outlines detailed compliance expectations for online interface design and operation, guiding companies on how to avoid interface structures that mislead consumers or obstruct choice. The standards aim to align industry practices with the intent of the amended law while reducing the risk of consumer harm.
The authority said it expects the combined effect of enforcement and industry self-regulation to curb recurring patterns of consumer deception in online markets.
