Rechtsidee
Vol. 14 No. 1 (2026): June

Legal Protection for Consumers in the Context of Dark Patterns in Indonesian Marketplace Applications: A Comparative Study With the Netherlands

Annisa Annisa (Program Studi Ilmu Hukum, Universitas Pembangunan Nasional Veteran Jakarta)
Sylvana Murni Deborah Hutabarat (Program Studi Ilmu Hukum, Universitas Pembangunan Nasional Veteran Jakarta)



Article Info

Publish Date
23 Jun 2026

Abstract

General Background: The rapid expansion of digital marketplaces has increased consumer exposure to manipulative interface design, creating new challenges for consumer autonomy, fairness, and legal protection. Specific Background: In Indonesian marketplace applications, dark patterns appear through false urgency, hidden costs, sneak into basket, fake reviews, fake discounts, and disguised advertisements, which may harm consumers psychologically and financially. Knowledge Gap: Indonesia’s current legal framework remains general, fragmented, and reactive, while no specific regulation explicitly defines or prohibits manipulative interface design in marketplace ecosystems. Aims: This normative legal study examined consumer protection against dark patterns in Indonesia and compared it with Dutch regulations through statutory, conceptual, and comparative approaches. Results: Indonesian law only partially addresses dark patterns through consumer protection, electronic information, personal data, and electronic commerce provisions. By contrast, the Netherlands applies multi-layered protection through the DSA, WHC, GDPR-related standards, ACM technical guidelines, and proactive monitoring, including automated screening tools. Novelty: This study specifically compares Indonesia and the Netherlands in regulating and enforcing consumer protection against marketplace dark patterns. Implications: Indonesia needs explicit dark pattern regulation, operational technical guidelines, technology-based monitoring, stronger supervisory institutions, and targeted digital literacy programs to protect consumers from manipulative marketplace interfaces. Highlights: Marketplace users face psychological and financial harm. The national framework remains general and complaint based. ACM guidance demonstrates proactive technical supervision and automated screening. Keywords:  Dark Patterns, Consumer Protection, Marketplace Applications, Regulation

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Journal Info

Abbrev

rechtsidee

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Law, Crime, Criminology & Criminal Justice Social Sciences

Description

RECHTSIDEE, provides a forum for publishing the original research articles, review articles and book review from academics, analysts, practitioners and those who interested to provide literature on Legal Studies and Human Rights in all aspects. Scientific articles dealing with Civil Law, Islamic ...