Eliminate ‘dark patterns’

In a big relief for consumers suffering loss due to deceptive product and service advertisements on various e-commerce platforms, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued an advisory, urging these platforms to conduct self-audits within three months to identify and eliminate these manipulative practices, or ‘dark patterns’.

- PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

The guidelines outline 13 specific dark patterns, including false urgency, basket sneaking, and subscription traps, which mislead consumers and cause financial loss. The apex consumer protection watchdog has warned that non-compliance with these guidelines can result in penalties under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, including potential fines and imprisonment. The move is likely to help build consumer trust and create a fairer digital marketplace.

Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has directed e-commerce platforms to conduct self-audits within three months to eliminate ‘dark patterns’, deceptive design practices that mislead consumers into unintended actions.