Marketing disclosure, consent & dark patterns · Working
Astroturfing
Also called: fake grassroots
ELI5
Activity designed to appear like independent grassroots support while being organised or funded by an interested party.
Used in conversation
“The draft mentions astroturfing, but the scope and jurisdiction are still unclear.”
Pitch context
You will see “Astroturfing” in brand decks, campaign plans, research reports and performance reviews when the discussion reaches marketing disclosure, consent & dark patterns.
Why it matters: In marketing disclosure, consent & dark patterns, a loose definition can change rights, obligations, approval, disclosure or enforceability.
Caution
Meaning, enforceability and required process vary by jurisdiction and agreement; this definition is not legal advice.
Sources & evidence · 5
Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.
- U.S. Federal Trade Commission — Advertising and Marketing GuidanceDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- American Marketing Association — Definitions of Marketing and BrandSupporting source family · institutional · checked 2026-08-16
- Google Analytics Help — Google Analytics dimensions and metricsSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- Google Ads Help — Google Ads metrics and reportingSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- Interactive Advertising Bureau — Measurement guidelines and standardsSupporting source family · institutional · checked 2026-08-16