Govt cracks whip on dark patterns, sets e-commerce companies 3-month deadline

NEW DELHI: The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) on Saturday directed e-commerce platforms to conduct self-audits within three months to identify and eliminate 'dark patterns', which are carefully crafted to trick buyers into doing things that they don't mean to, like buying or signing up for something.In a statement, consumer affairs department said all e-commerce platforms must examine their interfaces for practices that undermine consumer choice or constitute unfair trade practices. "Based on their audit findings, platforms are encouraged to provide self-declarations confirming their sites are free from deceptive practices. The self-declarations will enable a fair digital ecosystem along with building trust between consumers and e-commerce platforms," it said.As per the department, a joint working group, comprising representatives from various ministries, regulators, consumer organisations and national law universities, has also been set up to monitor violations and suggest awareness programmes. TNN