Plans to Counter 'Dark Patterns' Used by Online Platforms Soon

Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution, Prahlad Joshi has instructed all e-commerce companies to conduct self-audits to analyze and eliminate Dark Patterns to comply with consumer protection regulations.

- JITENDRA CHOUBEY @New Delhi

This directive follows a high-level stakeholder meeting held in New Delhi.

There has been a notable increase in consumer complaints regarding Dark Patterns reported on the National Consumer Helpline, which prompted the minister to take action.

The stakeholder meeting aimed to develop more effective strategies to address manipulative design practices used by digital platforms. Joshi also proposed the formation of a joint working group to educate e-commerce companies about these issues.