Compliance with Guidelines to Prevent Dark Patterns

The government has announced that 26 leading ecommerce companies have declared their platforms free from dark patterns, emphasizing consumer protection in the digital marketplace.

Companies Involved

• Some of the companies include: 
  • Zepto
  • Zomato
  • Swiggy
  • Jiomart
  • BigBasket
  • Flipkart Internet
  • Myntra Designs
  • MakeMyTrip (India)
  • Reliance Jewels

Actions Taken

These companies have submitted self-declaration letters in compliance with the Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns, 2023.

• Internal self-audits or third-party audits were conducted.
• Efforts were made to identify, assess, and eliminate dark patterns.

Role of the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA)

The CCPA has highlighted that these declarations are expected to encourage other companies to adopt similar self-regulation measures.

Prohibited Dark Patterns

The Guidelines identified and prohibited 13 dark patterns, including:

• False Urgency
• Basket Sneaking
• Confirm Shaming
• Forced Action
• Subscription Trap
• Interface Interference
• Bait & Switch
• Drip Pricing
• Disguised Advertisements
• Nagging
• Trick Wording
• SaaS Billing
• Rogue Malwares