The Government of India has intensified its efforts to curb deceptive online practices by convening a high-level stakeholder meeting on dark patterns in digital commerce. The meeting, chaired by the Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and New & Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, brought together major e-commerce companies, industry associations, voluntary consumer organizations, and National Law Universities to address the growing prevalence of manipulative digital designs that mislead consumers.
Dark patterns—subtle yet deceptive design choices used on websites and apps—have increasingly drawn consumer complaints, prompting the government to reinforce its commitment to transparency and consumer protection. The Minister emphasized that modern consumers are informed and vigilant, refusing to tolerate deceitful online experiences. He urged all companies to comply fully with the Guidelines on Dark Patterns, which were developed through extensive consultations with industry stakeholders.
Recognizing a significant rise in complaints related to dark patterns on the National Consumer Helpline, Joshi directed e-commerce companies to conduct regular self-audits to identify and eliminate these deceptive practices. He made it clear that companies should not wait for regulatory intervention by the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) but should proactively remove manipulative designs before official notices are issued. According to the Minister, ensuring compliance is not merely a regulatory obligation—it is a step toward building consumer trust.
The meeting also highlighted the innovative technological solutions devised through the Dark Patterns Buster Hackathon 2023, which played a crucial role in empowering the Department of Consumer Affairs. In collaboration with IIT BHU, three significant consumer protection tools were developed: the Jagriti App, the Jago Grahak Jago App, and the Jagriti Dashboard. The Jagriti App allows consumers to report dark patterns directly to the CCPA while flagging suspicious websites. The Jago Grahak Jago App protects users from fraudulent platforms by offering real-time safety scores on e-commerce links they visit. Meanwhile, the Jagriti Dashboard functions as an analytical tool that generates detailed reports on deceptive practices for regulatory oversight.
Secretary of the Department of Consumer Affairs, Nidhi Khare, stressed that dark patterns manipulate consumer behavior, infringe upon consumer autonomy, and undermine trust in digital commerce. She noted that tackling this issue is essential for ensuring fair trade practices and safeguarding consumer rights. She also pointed out that several companies had taken a Safety Pledge on National Consumer Day 2024, committing to proactive measures for consumer protection. Violations related to dark patterns contradict the pledge, reinforcing the need for urgent corrective action.
Representatives from leading e-commerce platforms—including Amazon, Apple, Flipkart, Google, Ola Electric, Paytm, Zomato, Swiggy, Meta, and many others—participated in the discussion. Key industry associations such as FICCI, NASSCOM, and the Retailers Association of India were also present, along with legal and consumer advocacy groups.
Additional Secretary Bharat Harbanslal Khera reaffirmed the government’s support for ease of doing business while prioritizing consumer safety. He highlighted the significance of the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020, and the Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns, 2023, which clearly define and prohibit 13 types of manipulative digital practices. The guidelines emerged from extensive stakeholder consultations and position India as the first country to officially regulate dark patterns.
During the meeting, Joint Secretary Anupam Mishra delivered a detailed presentation on the adverse effects of deceptive digital designs, including unintended purchases, privacy violations, and increased digital addiction. He outlined the enforcement measures taken by the CCPA and shared global perspectives on regulating dark patterns.
The meeting concluded with a firm call to action, reaffirming the government’s commitment to consumer protection in digital commerce. Stakeholders were urged to collaborate in creating a transparent and ethical online environment. The Department of Consumer Affairs reiterated its readiness to support businesses in implementing the guidelines while welcoming continued engagement with industry leaders, academia, and civil society to ensure fairness and inclusivity in India’s rapidly expanding digital marketplace.
