The government has ordered all e-commerce businesses to perform self-audits in order to identify and eliminate dark patterns in accordance with consumer protection laws, in response to the growing concern over these patterns in digital commerce.

Pralhad Joshi, the Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, emphasized the significance of ethical business practices and said that the recommendations on dark patterns were the outcome of extensive discussions with a range of stakeholders, including prominent e-commerce firms and trade associations.

The minister urged all businesses to completely adhere to the rules and incorporate them into their internal governance and consumer protection procedures now that a mutual agreement has been reached.

While presiding over a high-level stakeholder gathering here, Joshi declared, “Today’s consumers are alert, knowledgeable, and more conscious of their rights — they will not tolerate deceit.”

Key leaders from significant e-commerce corporations, industry groups, volunteer consumer organizations, and national law universities came together for a concentrated discussion on ending deceptive online activities, which was organized by the Department of Consumer Affairs.

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Joshi emphasized recent changes, pointing to a notable increase in dark pattern-related consumer complaints on the National Consumer Helpline (NCH).

“Businesses shouldn’t wait for the CCPA (Central Consumer Protection Authority) to step in. Prior to issuing notifications, they ought to proactively identify and eliminate these dishonest behaviors. Building consumer trust is more important than merely adhering to regulations”, he said.

He added that the Department, working with IIT BHU, was able to create three potent consumer protection tools: the Jagriti App, Jago Grahak Jago App, and the Jagriti Dashboard, thanks in large part to the innovative concepts and technological solutions produced during the “Dark Patterns Buster Hackathon 2023.”

“These tools are a testament to our resolve in combating deceptive design practices that mislead consumers online,” stated the minister.

In addition to outlining the Department’s multifaceted efforts to address this urgent issue, Nidhi Khare, Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs, gave an enlightening introduction to the matter.

She drew attention to the concerning increase in dark patterns, which are design cues employed on websites and applications to trick or pressure users into making undesirable decisions.

She pointed out that these tactics damage customer welfare and trust while undermining consumer autonomy and controlling purchasing behavior. She emphasized that protecting consumer rights and guaranteeing fair digital trade depend on addressing dark tendencies.