Dark Patterns: The government has banned the use of “dark patterns” on e-commerce platforms with the intention of misleading users or influencing their purchasing decisions in order to safeguard the interests of consumers. Read on to learn more.
What are dark patterns?
“Dark patterns” as any design pattern or deceptive practise that interferes with or impairs consumer autonomy, decision-making, or choice in order to mislead or trick users into doing something they did not initially intend to do or want to do on any platform.
How is it helpful for people?
Consumer Affairs Secretary Rohit Kumar Singh told PTI that as e-commerce expands, platforms are increasingly using dark patterns to trick users by influencing their behaviour and purchase decisions. He claimed that by outlining what constitutes unfair commercial practises, the Notify Guidelines will provide clarity to all parties involved, including buyers, sellers, marketplaces, and authorities. Under the Consumer Protection Act, those who break these shall be held accountable.
The government bans dark patterns on e-commerce platforms
India’s government has made a big advancement in consumer protection. The government has just banned the use of “dark patterns” on online shopping sites. Dark patterns are strategies intended to trick and mislead customers or impact their judgement. A gazette notification titled “Guidelines for prevention and regulation of dark patterns” was released on November 30 by the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA). Every platform, vendor, and advertising company supplying products and services in India must abide by the new rules.
Consumer Affairs Secretary Rohit Kumar Singh told PTI, “In the emerging digital commerce, dark patterns are increasingly being used by the platforms to mislead the consumers by manipulating their buying choices and behaviour.”
Using dark patterns will be considered deceptive advertising, unfair business practices, or a breach of consumer rights. It further stated that the penalty would be applied in accordance with the terms of the Consumer Protection Act.
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