Govt Identifies 13 Dark Patterns Used by E-Commerce Platforms — Here’s What Consumers Need to Know

Several users have come across dark patterns, which includes hidden fees, and fake countdown timers while using e-commerce platforms or apps. These tactics manipulate consumer’s purchasing decisions. The government has identified close to 13 dark patterns.

What are dark patterns?

Dark patterns refer to such practices, carried by apps and websites that propel consumers to do unwarranted things — like paying extra, giving away personal data, or signing up for services. A user stuck under this pattern may have come across confusing language, hidden charges, and sneaky visuals.

In November 2023, the Consumer Affairs Department officially identified 13 types of dark patterns as unfair trade practices. These include:

* Drip pricing – Extra fees added only at the last step

* False urgency – Fake countdown timers

* Bait and switch – Showing one thing, then offering another

* Confirm shaming – Making users feel guilty for refusing

* Subscription traps – Hard-to-cancel services

Other dubious practices include forced action, hidden ads, trick questions, nagging, basket sneaking, and rogue pop-ups that act like system warnings.

Government’s intervention on dark patterns

Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Pralhad Joshi conducted a meeting with industry stakeholders, which included top e-commerce platforms, industry bodies, consumer groups, and law universities. Companies like Amazon, Flipkart, Zomato, Google, Paytm, Uber, Apple, Meta, and Swiggy were also in attendance alongside associations like CAIT, FICCI, NASSCOM, and PHDCCI.

The minister urged stakeholders to implement the guidelines by stating that companies should not give a chance for forceful enforcement but should rather come forward to eliminate such deceptive practices. This would not only ensure compliance but also build consumer trust.

Apps launched to fight against dark patterns

The Indian government has launched three important digital tools in partnership with IIT BHU:

1. Jagriti App - It allows users to report dark patterns and flag suspicious websites.

2. Jago Grahak Jago App - Marks and gives real-time safety scores for e-commerce links.

3. Jagriti Dashboard - Helps regulators to track and analyse dark patterns across platforms.