Archive · 13 Jun 2025
India Orders Digital Platforms to Eliminate Dark Patterns
Websites and apps sometimes use tricky designs to make you do things you might not want to, like buying stuff or signing up for things without realizing it.
These are called dark patterns.
The government is telling these platforms to stop using these tricks and check themselves to make sure they aren't doing it anymore.
If they are, they have to fix it because it's not fair to customers.
A special group will watch to see if they are following the rules.
CCPA directs digital platforms to remove dark patterns and conduct self-audits.
Dark patterns are deceptive practices influencing users on digital platforms.
These tactics benefit platforms at users' expense, potentially causing financial loss.
The CCPA advisory targets e-commerce firms, travel aggregators, and others.
A joint working group will monitor compliance and recommend enforcement.
- Who
- The CCPA is targeting various digital platforms, including e-commerce firms and others.
- What
- The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) is directing digital platforms to eliminate dark patterns.
- When
- The advisory was issued recently, with platforms given three months for self-audits.
- Where
- Applicable to digital platforms in India, including e-commerce sites and others.
- Why
- To curb deceptive practices and protect consumers from manipulation.
Companies' Perspective
Consumer's Perspective
Prioritization
Companies' Perspective
Prioritizing user engagement and maximizing revenue through interface designs.
Consumer's Perspective
Focusing on ethical practices to ensure consumer trust and avoid manipulation.
- Action
- CCPA directive to remove dark patterns.
- Definition
- Deceptive practices influencing users on digital platforms.
- Affected Platforms
- E-commerce, travel, food-tech, ride-hailing, and others.
- Compliance
- Self-audits within three months.
- Monitoring Body
- Joint Working Group (JWG)
