The Renter Algorithm: Dark patterns and the illusion of choice

Dark patterns. They're the manipulative practices that are part of the foundations of our online life... and apparently our rental lives.

Confirm shaming, biased framing, and bundled consent are all examples of dark patterns. What are they? What are they doing to our ability to make choices? And how do they relate to rental applications?

And once we've had to fill in these rental application forms, giving over up to 50 points of data to be stored online, how secure is that data? And do we have a choice not to use these platforms in our modern world?

This is episode 2 of our two-part investigation into rental technologies.

GUESTS:

• Samantha Floreani, PhD candidate at Monash University with the ADM+S Centre. Her research — The Machine-Readable Renter — examines the role of digital technologies in Australia’s private rental sector, and its impact on renters and housing justice.
• Lina Pržhedetsky, research fellow at the University of Melbourne Law School, and ARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision-Making and Society. She specialises in emerging technology policy.
• Kylie Davis, founder and president of The Proptech Association Australia.
• John Gilmovich, founder and director of Real Property Manager, and President of the Property Owners Association of NSW. He's also a licensed real estate agent.
• Jordan van den Lamb, housing activist and creator of Shit Rentals. You can find the subreddit here. AKA @purplepingers.

A big thanks to our guests for this episode.

References:

• Sam mentioned a Guardian article that covered data security. It's this one.
• Rae mentioned our previous series, Opt Out 01 | The guide to taking back control of your online life.

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This episode was produced on Burramattagal, Darug, Gundungurra, Wurundjeri, Woi Wurrung, and Cobowra country.

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