Where I am from this sort of dark pattern is used by most service companies at this point. There’s some regulation, though too little.

Most gyms, ISPs, mobile carriers, any sort of services with continuous subscription have this scheme:

- they sell you subscription with some ridiculous (and perpetual) discount (often with “first three months - it’s free”);

- there’s minimum commitment clauses/fines (so you won’t leave too early);

- there’s clause to “pay up all given discounts on canceling the contract”;

- they “balance” two rules above in such a way that it is never “good time” to leave.