In a move to bolster digital consumer protection, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has directed all e-commerce platforms to conduct self-audits within three months to identify and eliminate “dark patterns” — manipulative interface designs that mislead users into unintended actions.Issuing an advisory on Saturday, the Consumer Affairs Ministry said platforms must evaluate their digital interfaces for any features that could undermine consumer choice or amount to unfair trade practices. “All e-commerce platforms have been advised to conduct self-audits… and take necessary steps to ensure that their platforms are free from such dark patterns,” the ministry said, as quoted PTI.Dark patterns include practices such as false urgency messages, hidden costs, forced subscription sign-ups, and disguised advertisements. In 2023, the government notified guidelines identifying 13 such deceptive tactics, including basket sneaking, confirm shaming, drip pricing, and interface interference.Platforms are also encouraged to submit self-declarations confirming that their services comply with these standards. The CCPA said such declarations would help build consumer trust and contribute to a more transparent digital marketplace.While the regulator did not name specific violators, it confirmed that notices have already been issued to platforms found breaching the anti-dark-pattern norms.The advisory follows the formation of a Joint Working Group comprising officials from government ministries, regulators, consumer groups, and legal academia. The group will monitor violations and recommend awareness initiatives aimed at curbing the spread of dark patterns in India’s fast-growing e-commerce space.
