In a significant move, the government has enforced a ban on the use of “dark patterns” by e-commerce and other online platforms engaged in selling goods and services. The term refers to purposefully designed deceptions aimed at manipulating customers into unintended purchases or subscriptions. The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) will oversee the implementation of this directive, and offenders may face fines and penal action under the Consumer Protection Act.
The CCPA, through a gazette notification titled “Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns,” has defined “dark patterns” as deceptive design patterns using user interface or user experience interactions. These patterns mislead users into actions they did not intend, such as signing up for additional services or purchasing more expensive products.
The guidelines, which carry legal weight, apply universally to all platforms systematically offering goods or services, including advertisers and sellers. The ministry has identified 13 deceptive practices, including the creation of false urgency, basket sneaking, and subscription traps, which will be treated as “dark patterns.”
This regulatory intervention aims to protect consumers from deceptive practices and maintain fairness in online transactions. The government emphasizes the need for transparency and ethical conduct in e-commerce operations.
