[surround]

It is a dark pattern - it tricks the user into thinking their data won't be submitted until they click "submit," but instead saves it right away. It would only not be a dark pattern if the form clearly said "your email address will be uploaded to our servers immediately after typing it."

[that_guy_iain]

Why were they tricked into thinking that? OP didn’t mention any text stating that. Lots of sites send updates constantly, I’ve never been tricked into thinking they didn’t I just wasn’t explicitly informed. Which is a difference.

As I said, it is distasteful but not a trick.