PIB Delhi<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a major step towards protecting consumer interest in the digital marketplace, 26 leading e-commerce platforms have voluntarily submitted self-declaration letters confirming compliance<\/strong> with the Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns, 2023<\/em>. This development marks a significant milestone in India\u2019s efforts to curb deceptive online design practices that mislead or manipulate consumers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These platforms have conducted internal self-audits or third-party audits<\/strong> to identify, assess and eliminate any presence of dark patterns. All 26 companies have declared that their platforms are free from dark patterns<\/strong> and do not deploy any manipulative user interface designs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The proactive industry-wide compliance demonstrates a strong commitment towards consumer transparency, fair trade practices<\/strong>, and ethical digital ecosystems<\/strong>. This voluntary alignment underscores the fact that consumer protection and business growth can go hand-in-hand<\/strong>, strengthening brand trust and long-term credibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n CCPA Acknowledges Compliance; Calls It Industry-Best Practice<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has appreciated these declarations, terming them exemplary and encouraging other companies to adopt similar self-regulation. CCPA had earlier directed the companies to upload their self-audit declarations<\/a> prominently on their websites for easy public access.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These declarations can also be viewed on the CCPA website: https:\/\/www.doca.gov.in\/ccpa\/slef-audit-companies-dark-pattern.php<\/strong><\/a> Through the National Consumer Helpline (NCH), social media campaigns, informative videos, and outreach programmes, consumers have been educated about identifying dark patterns and reporting them. Such complaints are being systematically addressed, and enforcement action is being contemplated wherever necessary. The CCPA has reaffirmed that it is maintaining a close watch on potential violations and will not hesitate to act against errant platforms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Background<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns, 2023<\/strong><\/a>, <\/strong>notified on 30 November 2023, identify and prohibit 13 dark patterns<\/strong><\/a> including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n These guidelines, issued under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, form a key part of the Government\u2019s strategy to build a transparent, trustworthy and consumer-centric digital marketplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The CCPA strongly urges all other e-commerce platforms, marketplace entities, service providers, and app developers to follow the example set by these companies. Every business operating in India\u2019s digital space must recognize that manipulative practices are short-sighted strategies that harm both consumers and businesses in the long run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n