🛡️ DarkShield

AI-Powered Dark Pattern Auditor

Expose Manipulative UI. Protect User Trust.

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📌 Overview

DarkShield is an AI-powered system that detects dark patterns in websites and applications.
It analyzes UI/UX elements to identify manipulative design practices like fake urgency, hidden subscriptions, and misleading buttons.

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📸 Screenshots

🖥️ Dashboard UI

📊 Analysis Result

⚠️ Problem

• Users are unknowingly manipulated by deceptive UI patterns
• Hidden charges, forced subscriptions, and misleading consent designs are common
• No simple tool exists to automatically detect and explain these patterns

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🎯 Solution

DarkShield provides an end-to-end detection system that:

• Scans websites via URL or screenshot
• Uses AI + Rule-based detection
• Generates a risk score (0–100)
• Explains detected dark patterns
• Suggests ethical UI improvements

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🧠 Key Features

• AI-based Dark Pattern Detection
• Rule-based Pattern Recognition
• Risk Scoring System (Safe / Risky / Dark Pattern)
• Explainable Insights (WHY it’s harmful)
• Actionable Fix Suggestions
• Chrome Extension (Real-time Detection)
• Compliance Check (Consumer Laws)
• Interactive Dashboard

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🏗️ Architecture

• Input: URL / Screenshot / Extension
• Processing: Screenshot + OCR extraction
• Detection: AI + Rule Engine
• Output: Score + Issues + Suggestions

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⚙️ Tech Stack

Frontend

• React.js / HTML / CSS / JavaScript
• Tailwind CSS

Backend

• Node.js / Express.js

AI & Processing

• Python (Flask / FastAPI)
• OpenAI API
• Tesseract OCR
• Puppeteer / Selenium

Database

• MongoDB

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🔄 Workflow

1. User inputs URL or uploads screenshot
2. System captures UI and extracts content
3. AI + rules analyze for dark patterns
4. Risk score is generated
5. Results displayed with insights and fixes

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📊 Example Output

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🌐 Chrome Extension

• Detects dark patterns in real-time
• Shows popup warning: “⚠️ Dark Pattern Detected”
• Highlights suspicious UI elements

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🏆 Innovation

• Hybrid AI + Rule-based detection
• Explainable AI (not a black box)
• Real-time browser integration
• Compliance-aware auditing
• User + Business dual value

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🚀 Future Scope

• Advanced Computer Vision models
• Global compliance (GDPR, etc.)
• Browser-wide protection system
• Public Dark Pattern Database
• Integration with developer tools

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👨‍💻 Team

Developed for Hackathon 🚀

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📜 License

MIT License

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⭐ Tagline

Detect. Expose. Protect.