NEW DELHI: In a significant move to curb deceptive design practices in digital commerce, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued an advisory to all e-commerce platforms to conduct self-audits within three months to detect and eliminate the use of Dark Patterns—misleading online interface designs that manipulate user behavior.
The advisory, issued as part of the government’s larger effort to promote fair digital marketplaces and build consumer trust, calls on platforms to not only detect such practices but also provide self-declarations affirming that their operations are free from dark patterns. These declarations are expected to promote transparency and reinforce responsible digital conduct across the sector.
Dark patterns refer to manipulative UI/UX techniques that exploit consumer psychology to drive unintended actions such as forced purchases, hidden costs, or misleading urgency. To counter this, the Department of Consumer Affairs had issued comprehensive Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns in 2023, identifying 13 such practices including false urgency, basket sneaking, confirm shaming, bait and switch, disguised advertisements, and trick wording.
In a parallel move, the department has constituted a Joint Working Group (JWG) comprising representatives from relevant ministries, regulators, voluntary consumer organizations, and National Law Universities (NLUs). The JWG is tasked with regularly identifying violations of dark pattern practices and reporting them to the Department of Consumer Affairs. It will also recommend consumer awareness initiatives to sensitize users about unfair digital practices.
The CCPA confirmed that notices have already been issued to certain e-commerce platforms found violating the guidelines. It reiterated that deceptive design interfaces that mislead users or restrict informed decision-making constitute unfair trade practices under the Consumer Protection Act and will invite regulatory action.
The government’s renewed push aims to enhance accountability in digital commerce, ensuring that consumers are empowered with clear, fair, and transparent online experiences as digital transactions increasingly become a part of everyday life.
