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

The government, also addressing the growing concern over dark patterns in digital commerce, has directed all e-commerce platforms to conduct self-audits to identify and eliminate such practices, ensuring compliance with consumer protection norms.

By  Storyboard18Jul 21, 2025 6:54 PM
Minister Pralhad Joshi leads efforts to eliminate deceptive dark patterns from e-commerce platforms

On July 20, Union Minister of Consumer Affairs Pralhad Joshi chaired a meeting with senior officials to review the issue of dark patterns affecting digital consumers.

In a post on X, the Minister said, "Discussed @jagograhakjago’s ongoing efforts and explored regulatory measures to curb deceptive online practices and strengthen consumer protection frameworks."

The government, also addressing the growing concern over dark patterns in digital commerce, has directed all e-commerce platforms to conduct self-audits to identify and eliminate such practices, ensuring compliance with consumer protection norms.

Joshi emphasized that the guidelines on dark patterns were the outcome of extensive consultations with various stakeholders, including leading e-commerce companies and industry associations.

With mutual agreement in place, Minister Joshi urged all companies to fully comply with the guidelines and to integrate them into their internal governance frameworks and consumer protection mechanisms, added a media report.

During the meeting convened by the Department of Consumer Affairs, Joshi noted a surge in consumer complaints related to dark patterns received through the National Consumer Helpline (NCH). He stated that companies must proactively identify and address deceptive practices before formal notices are issued.

Joshi also highlighted that the creative ideas and technological innovations generated through the 'Dark Patterns Buster Hackathon 2023' played a key role in empowering the Department of Consumer Affairs. In collaboration with IIT-BHU, the initiative led to the development of three significant tools: the Jagriti app, the Jago Grahak Jago app, and the Jagriti Dashboard.

First Published on Jul 21, 2025 6:54 PM

More from Storyboard18

How it Works

UltraTech Cement Q1 FY26 profit surges 49% to Rs 2,226 crore; Revenue up 13%

UltraTech Cement Q1 FY26 profit surges 49% to Rs 2,226 crore; Revenue up 13%

Brand Makers

Blinkit's Q1 revenue soars 154% YoY to Rs 2,400 crore in FY26

Blinkit's Q1 revenue soars 154% YoY to Rs 2,400 crore in FY26

Brand Marketing

Prada denies GI infringement over Kolhapuri chappals

Prada denies GI infringement over Kolhapuri chappals

How it Works

Netflix taps Gen AI to cut costs on "The Eternaut"

Netflix taps Gen AI to cut costs on "The Eternaut"

How it Works

Airtel’s bold bet: Perplexity Pro lands on 370 mn phones, taking aim at Google in India’s AI race

Airtel’s bold bet: Perplexity Pro lands on 370 mn phones, taking aim at Google in India’s AI race

Brand Makers

Myntra to Zepto, platforms cash in on cosmetics boom; K-beauty soars 75% on Amazon

Myntra to Zepto, platforms cash in on cosmetics boom; K-beauty soars 75% on Amazon

Brand Marketing

Global Ads Spotlight: How Saudia Airlines turned prayer beads into a life-saving sanitizer for pilgrims

Global Ads Spotlight: How Saudia Airlines turned prayer beads into a life-saving sanitizer for pilgrims