E-commerce Platforms Must Comply With Guidelines on 'Dark Patterns'

Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi on Wednesday asked all major e-commerce platforms to follow the government's guidelines on 'dark patterns,' else actions will be taken to protect consumers' interest.

- TDG NETWORK

Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi on Wednesday asked all major e-commerce platforms to follow the government's guidelines on 'dark patterns,' else actions will be taken to protect consumers' interest. The minister said the e-commerce players have also been told to conduct internal audits to examine the presence of 'dark patterns,' defined as deceptive user interface designs that mislead or manipulate consumers into making unintended choices.

E-commerce players need to submit an audit report to the department of consumer affairs. He said a joint working group will also be set up for effective implementation of the guidelines and curb this unfair trade practice.