Audit platforms for ‘dark patterns’, Consumer Affairs Ministry warns companies

Pralhad Joshi. | Photo Credit: PTI

Minister of Consumer Affairs Pralhad Joshi met with representatives from various e-commerce firms on the subject of so-called “dark patterns,” warning them that app designs that are intended to deceive and nudge users to spend more or compromise their privacy were unfair trade practices. Mr. Joshi said that the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) would take action on such complaints, and in case companies do not admit wrongdoing, the matter would be referred for investigation.

The CCPA had released guidelines against dark patterns in 2023, under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. Dark patterns are actions and design practices by apps and websites that are misleading in nature, or try to get a certain response from users. For example, basket sneaking is a dark pattern where an e-commerce platform adds a product or a donation to a customer’s purchase at the time of checkout.

The government noticed a “significant surge in consumer complaints related to dark patterns on the National Consumer Helpline,” Mr. Joshi said. “Companies must not wait for the CCPA to intervene. They should proactively recognize and remove these deceptive practices before notices are issued. This is not just regulatory compliance — it’s about building trust with your consumers,” he said, adding that companies must proactively audit their platforms to make sure there are no dark patterns.

Consumer Affairs secretary Nidhi Khare told the companies that dark patterns “undermine consumer autonomy, manipulate purchasing behavior, and have a detrimental impact on consumer trust and welfare,” according to a government statement issued after the meeting. 

In addition to consumer groups and industry associations, the meeting had representatives from 1mg, Airbnb, Amazon, Apple, Zepto, Ola Electric, Samsung, Indigo Airlines, Mastercard, Meta, Reliance Retail, Rapido, Shiprocket, Snapdeal, Swiggy, Uber, WhatsApp, Zomato, Blinkit, Flipkart, Google, ONDC and Paytm.

Published - May 28, 2025 10:25 pm IST