Nokia uses deceptive designs to collect our data

Last week, I was obliged to use an old phone of mine (a Nokia) because my bank’s app refused to work on my primary de-googled device. And, during it’s setup I was kinda shocked to discover the many dark patterns Nokia used to manipulate my decisions.

Right at the start, I was obliged to press a very logically named Let’s go button, which would let Nokia collect my device’s location and a device activation code. I think Nokia should replace Let’s go with Take my data.

They somehow also came to the conclusion that it was absolutely necessary for them to know my location and device activation code for me start using my phone.

As you can see in the screenshot below - I can’t opt-out, it’s COMPULSORY.

After that, I had to accept the usual BS of Google wanting access to my device analytics, my device location, and whatnot.

And, just as I thought the setup was complete, Nokia decided to step back in with a deceiving congratulatory screen that said in huge font You are nearly ready to go…! and in a smaller font By tapping LET’S GO! You agree to join the User Experience Programme … something something.

To complete the setup, I can either tap a big blue Let’s go button or tap a less noticeable Not now… button.

A dark pattern, indeed.

Also, Nokia should get full marks for diverting people’s attention from important links by making the colour of links the same as rest of the text.

Even if you manage to click on links, you will be shown more pop-ups, obscure links, and useless jargon.

As an example, the link to User Experience Program’s data collection policy is hyperlinked to here instead of User Experience Program.

I wonder why a multi-billion dollar company doesn’t care about accessibility? Or maybe they care more about monetizing our data?

Now comes the juicy part - The terms of User Experience Program.

If you agree to join it, Nokia will collect,

• Your device’s IMEI number
• Mobile country code
• Mobile network code
• Device model
• Nearby Wi-Fi access point names
• System version
• Installed apps, and how often you use those apps
• App crash info
• Location
• IP address
• Battery level
• Features you use
• LINKS you use!!!

Shame on you Nokia.