Archive · 9 Jun 2025
India Cracks Down on Deceptive Online Practices
The government is making sure online platforms don't trick you into buying things or sharing your info.
Websites use sneaky designs called "dark patterns" to do this.
E-commerce, travel, and other digital services must now check their sites and remove these tricks.
This means fewer surprise charges, clearer choices, and easier ways to cancel subscriptions, so online shopping becomes safer.
CCPA directs over 50 digital companies to remove deceptive design practices.
Platforms must self-audit to identify and eliminate "dark patterns".
The advisory targets e-commerce, fintech, and other digital services.
Flipkart welcomed the move and stated commitment to transparency.
One unnamed platform viewed dark patterns as "experiments".
- Who
- CCPA and over 50 digital platforms.
- What
- CCPA mandates self-audits to eliminate deceptive design practices.
- When
- June 7, 2024 (Advisory Date)
- Where
- India
- Why
- To enhance online shopping safety and build consumer trust.
Consumers and Regulators
Some E-Commerce Platforms
Dark Pattern Use
Consumers and Regulators
Dark patterns are deceptive practices that trick users into unwanted actions, violating consumer rights.
Some E-Commerce Platforms
Some platforms view dark patterns as "experiments" to boost user engagement.
- Regulatory Body
- CCPA
- Compliance Timeframe
- 3 months
- Compliance Method
- Self-audits
- Affected Sectors
- E-commerce, fintech, travel portals, food delivery apps, and others.
- Advisory Date
- June 7
- Referenced Regulation
- Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020, Rule 4(9)
