E-Commerce Dark Pattern Detector: Empowering Fair Online Shopping

🚀 Overview

The E-Commerce Dark Pattern Detector is a Chrome extension that helps users identify deceptive practices used by online retailers. By leveraging advanced Machine Learning (ML) algorithms, this tool detects misleading UI tactics—such as hidden costs, fake reviews, and artificial urgency—ensuring a transparent and ethical shopping experience.

🎯 My Approach

E-commerce platforms often use dark patterns—tricks designed to manipulate users into decisions they might not otherwise make. This project aims to combat unethical sales tactics by offering an AI-powered browser extension that detects and warns users about potential deceptions in real time.

🌟 Core Features

✔ AI-Powered Review Analysis – Detects AI-generated and misleading reviews, ensuring credibility.
✔ Hidden Cost Detection – Alerts users about extra fees added at checkout.
✔ Attention-Focused Analysis – Highlights deceptive UI elements that may mislead shoppers.
✔ Fake Urgency Identification – Detects manipulative "Only X Left!" warnings.
✔ Cart Sneaking Alerts – Identifies when unwanted items are secretly added to the cart.
✔ Seamless Browser Integration – Works instantly within Chrome without complex setup.

🔍 Innovation & Uniqueness

Unlike traditional ad blockers or review filters, this tool specifically focuses on dark patterns, offering:

🔹 Real-time Detection – Flags deceptive practices as users browse.
🔹 AI-Driven Insights – Uses Machine Learning to analyze UI and content manipulation.
🔹 User Empowerment – Puts control back in the hands of consumers, allowing informed decisions.

🔗 Tech Stack

🖥 Frontend: CRXJS Vite Plugin, React, Tailwind CSS
⚙ Backend: Python, TensorFlow, NumPy, Pandas
🌐 Platform: Chrome Extension

👥 Target Audience

📌 Online Shoppers – Protects users from deceptive tactics.
📌 Consumer Rights Advocates – Supports ethical shopping standards.
📌 Developers & Researchers – A case study in ethical AI applications.

🔥 Impact & Scalability

✔ Empowering Consumers – Helps users make informed purchase decisions.
✔ Encouraging Transparency – Pushes e-commerce platforms toward ethical sales practices.
✔ Scalable Solution – Cloud-enabled, adaptable for future online retail trends.