BeReal Accused of Using 'Dark Patterns' to Pressure Users Into Data Tracking Consent

European privacy group noyb files GDPR complaint against BeReal, alleging manipulative consent practices under new ownership by Voodoo.

Austrian privacy advocacy group noyb has filed a complaint with France's CNIL over BeReal's consent banner practices, citing GDPR violations.
The complaint alleges that BeReal employs 'dark patterns' by showing daily pop-ups to users who reject ad tracking, while removing them permanently for those who accept.
Noyb argues that this tactic pressures users into consenting, making the consent invalid under GDPR's requirement for it to be 'freely given.'
The European Data Protection Board's 2022 guidance on 'dark patterns' highlights similar practices as manipulative and non-compliant with GDPR standards.
If found in violation, BeReal could face fines of up to 4% of its global annual revenue and be required to revise its consent processes.