Free Chrome Extension

See through manipulative
websites in real time.

Dark Pattern Protector detects and highlights deceptive UI tricks as you browse — using blazing-fast DOM rules and Claude AI analysis.

🔍 7+ pattern types detected ⚡ 2 detection layers 🤖 Powered by Claude AI ✓ Free & open source Your data stays in your browser
How it works

Two layers
of protection.

Fast rule-based detection catches the obvious tricks instantly. Then Claude AI steps in to catch the subtle ones.

1
Page loads
The extension activates automatically on every page you visit. No setup, no clicking — always on.
2
DOM rules scan
Seven hand-crafted rules instantly scan for pre-ticked checkboxes, fake timers, cookie tricks, and more. Zero latency.
3
AI deep analysis
Claude AI reads page text to catch subtle manipulation — bait-and-switch copy, guilt-trip language, and deceptive framing.
4
Visual highlights
Offending elements are highlighted directly on the page. Click the extension icon for a full findings report with severity scores.
What we detect

Every trick
in the playbook.

From pre-ticked newsletter boxes to fake countdown timers, we catch the patterns companies use to manipulate your choices.

☑️ Pre-ticked checkboxes
Silently signs you up for newsletters or data sharing
CRITICAL · Forced consent
🍪 Cookie banner tricks
Large "Accept All", no reject option, or buried opt-out
CRITICAL · Forced consent
👁️ Hidden opt-out links
Tiny text, low contrast, or near-zero opacity
HIGH · Obstruction
😬 Confirm-shaming
"No thanks, I prefer paying full price"
HIGH · Manipulation
🔀 Double negative consent
"Uncheck if you do not want to not receive…"
HIGH · Confusion
📉 Fake scarcity
"Only 2 left!" — frequently fabricated
MEDIUM · False urgency
⏱️ Fake countdown timers
Resets on page reload to create artificial urgency
MEDIUM · False urgency
🤖 AI-detected patterns
Bait-and-switch, roach motel, trick questions
AI · Claude analysis
Real world examples

Dark patterns
are everywhere.

E-commerce checkout
"☑ Yes! Sign me up for exclusive partner offers via email and SMS."
Pre-ticked marketing consent
Subscription cancellation
"No thanks, I don't want to save money."
Confirm-shaming
Hotel booking site
"🔥 Only 1 room left! 14 people are viewing this right now."
Fake scarcity + social pressure
Cookie consent banner
Large green "Accept All". "Manage preferences" buried in 8pt gray text.
Cookie banner obstruction
Flash sale page
"⏰ Offer ends in 00:47:12" — resets to 00:59:00 on refresh.
Fake countdown timer
Newsletter signup
"Uncheck this box if you do not wish to not receive our weekly digest."
Double negative consent
AI analysis

Powered by
Claude AI.

DOM rules catch the obvious patterns instantly. For subtle manipulation — roach motel cancellations, misleading pricing, guilt-trip copy — the extension sends page context to Claude for deeper analysis.

🔑
Your own API key
Your Anthropic key is stored locally in Chrome. No data ever touches our servers.
⚡
Works without AI too
All DOM detections run locally with zero latency. AI analysis is an optional enhancement layer.
🎚️
Adjustable sensitivity
Cautious, Balanced, or Strict mode — tune how aggressively patterns are flagged to suit your needs.
💬
Plain-English explanations
Every finding tells you exactly what the pattern is and why it's manipulative — no jargon.