Archive · 8 Jun 2025
India Orders E-Commerce Platforms to Audit for Deceptive Practices
The Indian government is making sure online stores don't use tricky methods to confuse shoppers.
These tricks are called "dark patterns," which involve things like hidden fees and deceptive ads.
Stores have three months to check and fix these problems.
The government is watching to make sure everyone follows the rules.
This is part of an effort to make online shopping more fair.
CCPA instructs e-commerce platforms to audit their websites for 'dark patterns'.
Platforms must identify and eliminate deceptive design tactics within three months.
The government issued an advisory on Saturday.
Platforms are asked to provide self-declarations of being free from deceptive practices.
A joint working group will monitor compliance and create awareness campaigns.
- Who
- The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) and e-commerce platforms.
- What
- CCPA directed e-commerce platforms to conduct self-audits to identify and eliminate dark patterns.
- When
- E-commerce platforms have three months to complete the self-audits.
- Where
- India
- Why
- To protect consumers from deceptive online practices and unfair trade practices.
- Issuing Body
- Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA)
- Target
- E-commerce Platforms
- Action
- Self-audits to identify and eliminate dark patterns
- Self-audit Deadline
- 3 months
- Deceptive Practices
- False urgency, hidden costs, subscription traps, etc.
- Guidelines Issued
- 2023
Sources
CCPA protection directs E-Commerce platforms for self-audit within 3 months to detect Dark Patterns
India’s consumer protection agency cracks whip on e-commerce unfair practices, orders self-audits
Dark patterns alert: CCPA tells e-commerce platforms to self-audit for deceptive design practices; violators already under scanner
Centre issues advisory to E-Commerce Platforms for self-audit to detect dark patterns
CCPA asks e-commerce platforms to conduct self-audits, remove deceptive user interface designs
Centre Orders E-Commerce Platforms To Self-Audit To Identify "Dark Patterns"
