Centre Directs E-Commerce Platforms to Self-Audit for Dark Patterns, Promote Ethical Digital Practices
New Delhi, July 22: The Government of India has urged all e-commerce platforms to conduct self-audits and eliminate dark patterns—deceptive design tactics that manipulate consumer decisions—within three months, as part of its broader mission to safeguard consumer rights and build a trustworthy digital ecosystem.
The directive was issued through an Advisory by the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) on June 5, 2025, following a stakeholder meeting held on May 28, 2025, chaired by the Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and New & Renewable Energy. The meeting brought together leading e-commerce platforms, industry associations, Voluntary Consumer Organizations (VCOs), and legal experts from National Law Universities.
Dark patterns, as defined under Section 2(47) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, fall under unfair trade practices. These include misleading tactics such as:
- False urgency
- Drip pricing
- Bait and switch
- Basket sneaking
- Subscription traps
- Confirm shaming
- Trick wording
- SaaS billing abuse
- Disguised advertisements, and more.
The CCPA had earlier notified the “Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns, 2023” on November 30, 2023, listing 13 specific manipulative practices prevalent in digital commerce.
Key Measures Announced:
- E-commerce platforms must self-audit for dark patterns within three months of the advisory.
- Platforms must issue a self-declaration confirming their compliance and non-indulgence in dark patterns.
- The goal is to promote a fair, ethical, and consumer-centric digital ecosystem in India.
Additionally, a Joint Working Group has been formed to further examine dark patterns and propose safeguards. It comprises representatives from relevant ministries, National Law Universities, and VCOs.
This proactive step reflects the government’s firm stance against manipulative digital practices and underlines its commitment to ensuring transparency and fairness in the fast-growing Indian e-commerce sector.
The information was shared by Union Minister of State BL Verma in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday.
