In a recent update, the government has announced that they are going to issue guidelines to e-commerce platforms over ‘dark patterns’.
Here ‘dark patterns’ are the tactics which are used to manipulate customers.
Government Issuing Guidelines to E-commerce Platforms Over ‘Dark Patterns’
Basically, these are the tricks used within interfaces of websites/apps that deliberately deceive customers into making unintended choices that benefit their business.
The Government is urging the e-commerce companies to refrain from indulging in any design or pattern in the online interface of their platforms that may deceive or manipulate consumer choice and fall in the category of dark patterns.
In order to implement this, the government has constituted a 17-member task force to prepare guidelines on protecting consumers against dark patterns.
“It is relevant to note that a dark pattern involves using a design and choice architecture to trick, coerce or influence consumers to make choices not in their best interest. Engaging in such deceptive and manipulative conduct by using dark patterns in online interfaces unfairly exploits consumers’ interest and constitutes ‘unfair trade practices’ under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019,” said Consumer Affairs Secretary Rohit Kumar Singh, in a letter to e-commerce companies and industry associations at the start of July, 2023.
Not Indulging In Unfair Trade Practices
Further adding, “In such a scenario, it is essential that online platforms do not indulge in unfair trade practices by incorporating dark patterns in their online interface to manipulate consumer choice and violate ‘consumer rights’ as enshrined under Section 2(9) of the Act.”
“Therefore, I strongly urge you to refrain from indulging in any design or pattern in the online interface of your platform that may deceive or manipulate consumer choice and fall in the category of dark patterns,” Singh said.
Moving ahead, this letter has been sent to 26 e-commerce companies such as Amazon, Flipkart, Paytm Mall, Snapdeal, Reliance Retail Ltd. (AJIO), Tata Cliq, Big Basket, Urban Ladder, Grofers, Swiggy, Nykaa, 1mg.com, Jio Platforms Ltd, India Mart, Pharm Easy, Urban Clap, and Zomato.
Regarding this issue, the Consumer Affairs Secretary held a consultation with various stakeholders on June 13.
With this move, the online platforms have been warned of action and enforcement has begun, Singh informed.
