TECH CRUNCH - The FTC and international consumer protection networks studied 642 websites and apps offering subscriptions, finding that ~76% employed manipulative "dark patterns" to influence user behavior. These patterns include tactics like sneaking auto-renewals (81%), making cancellation difficult (70%), and using social proof (21.5%) to push subscriptions. The report suggests increased FTC scrutiny of these practices amid ongoing legal actions, highlighting concerns over consumer privacy and fair market practices.