Archive · 23 Jul 2025
India Issues Advisory on E-commerce Dark Patterns
Some websites use sneaky tricks called "dark patterns" to get you to do things you might not want to, like making it hard to cancel a subscription.
The Indian government is telling online shopping sites to stop using these tricks.
They have issued rules and advice, and now the sites have to check themselves to make sure they aren't using these sneaky tactics.
The government hopes this will create a fairer and more trustworthy online shopping experience for everyone.
Indian government advises e-commerce platforms to avoid dark patterns.
Dark patterns are manipulative designs in websites to trick users.
The Consumer Protection Authority issued guidelines in November 2023.
An advisory was issued on June 5, 2025, for e-commerce platforms to self-audit.
Platforms must ensure they are free of dark patterns and provide self-declarations.
- Who
- Minister B.L. Verma and the Central Consumer Protection Authority.
- What
- Advisory issued to e-commerce platforms regarding 'dark patterns'.
- When
- November 2023 and June 2025
- Where
- India
- Why
- To prevent deceptive practices on e-commerce platforms and protect consumers.
Consumers
E-commerce Platforms
Use of Dark Patterns
Consumers
Consumers are often tricked by dark patterns on e-commerce websites which affects their purchasing experience
E-commerce Platforms
E-commerce platforms employ these patterns to increase their sales.
- Minister
- B.L. Verma
- Authority
- Central Consumer Protection Authority
- Guidelines Issued
- November 2023
- Advisory Issued
- June 5, 2025
- Focus
- Eradicating dark patterns on e-commerce sites