People-Powered Research
Consumer Reports works with people across the nation to uncover problems with the marketplace and take collective action to solve them.
Consumers have partnered with us to test their local drinking water for contaminants, analyze internet privacy services, examine the accuracy of their credit reports, and much more. Sign up for a future research project today. Together we can work to create a fairer, safer, and more transparent marketplace.
Upcoming Research Projects
Affordable Internet for All
Broadband internet service has become essential in the daily lives of 21st century consumers. In a country stricken by the pandemic, an affordable high-speed internet connection isn’t just a digital rights issue, it’s a civil rights issue. Consumer Reports, along with a coalition of partners, is examining consumers' internet bills, usage, and speeds – groundbreaking data that will help advocate for affordable internet for all.
Join the team for future research!
Sign up for our next project, to better understand Broadband internet access service
Current Projects
Dark Patterns
Everyday, we’re exploited by “dark patterns”: design tactics used by websites and apps to persuade you to do things you probably would not do otherwise. We need to take a stand against dark patterns, and to do that we need you. Find out more about what dark patterns are and how to recognize them, then help us map the web by sending us the ones you see.
Credit Check
Your credit report can make or break your financial future: Getting a home loan, how much you pay for auto insurance, whether you’ll land that new job — all can be affected by your credit report. But credit reports are often filled with errors, and those mistakes can cost you dearly.
Past Research Projects
America’s Water Crisis
Consumer Reports and The Guardian partnered with our members to explore the challenges that many in the US face getting access to safe, clean, affordable water, and the injustices to those most at risk.
Hidden Fees
Thousands of consumers provided their cable TV bills to Consumer Reports so we could examine the long list of hidden fees on customers' bills. This evidence spurred Congress to pass a national law requiring pay-TV companies to tell consumers exactly what they'll pay upfront – with no hidden fees – before they sign a contract
New Privacy Protections
Under the new California Consumer Privacy Act, Californians have the right to access, delete, and stop the sale of their personal information. As the new law takes effect, we are working with people to make sure the law is working for them, and holding companies accountable to make sure your privacy is protected.