Disguised advertisement

An ad made to look like normal content, like a review or a news item.

Checked in our scorecard

Top picks for you

Brand X Earbuds ★ 4.9no ad label

Brand Y Earbuds ★ 4.6

Brand Z Earbuds ★ 4.5

An example

A "top picks" list in an app is really paid placement, with no clear label. This example is made up.

Look for small words like "ad" or "sponsored". If there are none, ask who paid.

Listed as a specified dark pattern in the Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns, 2023, issued by India's Central Consumer Protection Authority.