Article changelog

Dark Marketing Patterns: FTC vs Genesis Tech

sphinnx/ivan-artsimovich/23-06-2026/dark-marketing-patterns-ftc-vs-genesis-tech.html ↗
v1.3 3 revisions · 4 files changed | +5 −3 | Author: Ivan Artsimovich
v1.3
Added fifth FTC count · extended source caveat
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33 Failure to clearly & conspicuously disclose material terms · ROSCA §4(1) · ¶170–171
44 Failure to obtain express informed consent · ROSCA §4(2) · ¶172–173
5 + Failure to provide a simple cancellation mechanism · ROSCA §4(3) · ¶174–175
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1 All conduct described is alleged; the matter is pre-verdict.
1 + All conduct described is alleged; the matter is pre-verdict. This is commentary, not legal advice.
v1.2
Stat bar — clarified PayPal volume label with measurement period
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1 PayPal volume
1 + PayPal volume · 12mo to Sep 2025
v1.1
Opening paragraph — added pre-verdict caveat on first mention of the case
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11 In June 2026 the FTC sued one of the most profitable subscription operations on the consumer internet: five products, five audiences, one identical funnel — roughly $106M from U.S. consumers using the same handful of moves.
2 Each screen below is an exhibit from the filing. The numbered markers match the mechanics the complaint names, quoted verbatim with their paragraph cite.
2 + Each screen below is an exhibit from the filing. The numbered markers match the mechanics the complaint names, quoted verbatim with their paragraph cite. Conduct is alleged; the case is pre-verdict.
v1.0
Original article as published
Introduction

In June 2026 the FTC sued one of the most profitable subscription operations on the consumer internet: five products, five audiences, one identical funnel — roughly $106M from U.S. consumers using the same handful of moves.

Each screen below is an exhibit from the filing. The numbered markers match the mechanics the complaint names, quoted verbatim with their paragraph cite.

Full FTC complaint text ↗

Stat bar labels

~$700M · PayPal volume
~$106M · From U.S. consumers
15 · Exhibits in evidence
36 · Marked mechanics

The five counts (original — four counts only)

Failure to disclose material terms · FTC Act §5 · ¶158–160
Unfairly charging consumers without authorization · FTC Act §5 · ¶161–163
Failure to clearly & conspicuously disclose material terms · ROSCA §4(1) · ¶170–171
Failure to obtain express informed consent · ROSCA §4(2) · ¶172–173

Source note

All quotes, figures and paragraph cites come from the public complaint in FTC v. GM Universeapps Ltd. et al., No. 26-cv-5232 (N.D. Cal.), filed June 2026. FTC filings are U.S. government works. All conduct described is alleged; the matter is pre-verdict.