CAIT Applauds Ban on E-commerce Dark Patterns

India Bans Deceptive E-commerce Practices to Protect Consumers

India’s new guidelines against e-commerce dark patterns aim to safeguard consumer interests.

JAMSHEDPUR – The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has expressed strong support for the Union Consumer Affairs Ministry’s recent move to ban the use of "dark patterns" on e-commerce platforms.

This decision is seen as a significant victory in CAIT’s four-year battle against the unfair practices of e-commerce companies.

The notification by the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) on November 30, titled "For Prevention and Regulation of Dark Pattern", is a major step towards protecting consumers and traders from deceptive business models.

CAIT National Secretary Suresh Sonthalia thanked Union Commerce Minister Shri Piyush Goyal for this initiative and emphasized the need for immediate implementation of e-commerce policies and rules for organized business in India.

The guidelines define "dark patterns" as deceptive designs or practices used to mislead or manipulate consumers’ choices.

Under the new guidelines, any practice that impairs consumer autonomy or freedom of choice will be considered a violation of consumer rights, with penalties as per the Consumer Protection Act.

Examples of dark patterns include "basket sneaking", where additional charges are added without consent, and "coerced action", forcing consumers to buy additional items or share personal information.

With 13 dark patterns identified by the CCPA, the guidelines clarify what constitutes unfair trade practices, enabling strict action against violations.

CAIT anticipates that these new regulations will enhance transparency in e-commerce and protect consumer interests, while curbing the arbitrary practices of e-commerce companies.