Indian Government Requires E-commerce Companies to Establish Their Own Regulatory Framework to Eliminate Dark Patterns

The Indian government has called on e-commerce companies to create a self-regulatory framework to end dark patterns. Rohit Singh, the Consumer Affairs Secretary, said the firms have the biggest responsibility and contribution to ending the practice. Dark patterns refer to manipulative practices online that exploit customers, such as adding items to the shopping cart without the user’s consent, altering prices during check out, or causing a false sense of urgency to prompt a purchase. Singh has asked e-commerce giants like Amazon, Flipkart, Swiggy, and Zomato to work with the Advertising Standards Council of India and legal firms to create a framework to curb the unethical practice. Education and awareness are critical as many sellers and customers on e-commerce platforms, are unaware of intermediaries’ tactics to maximize sales or prompt a purchase. Even after making the public aware, and creating a self-regulatory framework, if these practices continue, the government may establish regulations. However, Singh has noted that enforcing the law against bad actors could be counterproductive; instead, they are taking a step-by-step approach.