Consumer watchdog directs ecommerce platforms to conduct self-audits to eliminate deceptive practices

The Central Consumer Protection Authority has directed ecommerce platforms to conduct self-audits within three months to identify and eliminate 'dark patterns', deceptive design practices that mislead consumers into unintended actions.

The directive is part of the government's broader strategy to strengthen consumer protection in the digital economy as online commerce continues to expand rapidly across the country.

The Consumer Affairs Ministry on Saturday (June 7) said all ecommerce platforms must examine their interfaces for practices that undermine consumer choice or constitute unfair trade practices. Based on their audit findings, platforms are encouraged to provide self-declarations confirming their sites are free from deceptive practices. The The Central Consumer Protection Authority said these declarations would help build consumer trust and create a fairer digital marketplace.

The authority has already issued notices to some ecommerce platforms found violating guidelines for preventing dark patterns, though, it did not name specific companies. Dark patterns include practices like false urgency alerts, hidden costs added at checkout, subscription traps, and disguised advertisements that manipulate consumer decision-making.

The government established a joint working group, comprising representatives from ministries, regulators, consumer organisations and national law universities, to monitor violations and suggest awareness programmes. It notified guidelines for preventing dark patterns in 2023, identifying 13 specific practices, including basket sneaking, confirm shaming, forced actions, interface interference, bait and switch tactics, drip pricing, and subscription billing traps.