E-Commerce platforms told to self-audit and eliminate dark patterns in new consumer advisory

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued an advisory directing all e-commerce platforms in India to identify and eliminate the use of "dark patterns" - manipulative digital design practices that mislead or pressure consumers into making decisions against their interest.

The advisory, dated June 5, 2025, follows a meeting held on May 28 between the Ministry of Consumer Affairs and stakeholders including major e-commerce companies, industry bodies, consumer groups, and law universities.

Also Read: Minister Pralhad Joshi leads efforts to eliminate deceptive dark patterns from e-commerce platforms

The meeting was chaired by the Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and New and Renewable Energy.

Dark patterns, as defined under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, include tactics such as false urgency, bait and switch, basket sneaking, subscription traps, and disguised advertisements. These are considered "unfair trade practices" under the law.

E-commerce platforms have been asked to conduct self-audits within three months to detect such patterns on their websites or apps and submit self-declarations confirming compliance. The goal is to establish a "fair, ethical, and consumer-centric digital ecosystem," the ministry said.

Also Read: Dark Patterns, Explained: The digital design tactics misleading millions

To oversee this effort, a Joint Working Group has been set up comprising representatives from relevant ministries, national law universities, and voluntary consumer organisations. the group will collaborate to identify dark patterns and promote transparency and accountability across digital platforms.

The move builds on the CCPA’s earlier guidelines issued in November 2023, which listed 13 specific types of dark patterns prevalent in the e-commerce sector.

Also Read: CCPA 'Dark Patterns' warning: Advisory goes out to streamers, fintechs in addition to e-commerce firms