New Delhi, June 7 (HS): The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued an advisory for e-commerce platforms to conduct a self-audit within 3 months to detect and resolve dark patterns. In some cases, the CCPA has also issued notices to e-commerce platforms found to be violating guidelines for the prevention and regulation of dark patterns. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution stated in a statement on Saturday that all e-commerce platforms have been advised to self-audit to identify dark patterns within 3 months of the advisory being issued.
Additionally, necessary steps should be taken to ensure that their platforms are free of such dark patterns. According to the ministry, based on the self-audit report, e-commerce platforms have also been encouraged to self-declare that their platform is not engaged in any dark patterns. Self-declaration by the platform will not only build trust between consumers and e-commerce platforms but will also enable a fair digital ecosystem. Furthermore, e-commerce platforms have been advised to comply with the Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns, 2023.
The Department of Consumer Affairs of the Government of India has formed a Joint Working Group (JWG), comprising representatives from relevant ministries, regulators, voluntary consumer organizations, and NLUs. The function of the JWG is to investigate and remedy violations of dark patterns on e-commerce platforms and to share information with the Department of Consumer Affairs at regular intervals. It will also suggest appropriate awareness programs to raise awareness among consumers. It is noteworthy that as part of the government’s comprehensive strategy and ongoing efforts to strengthen consumer protection in the digital age and curb unfair practices in e-commerce and online services, the Department of Consumer Affairs of the Government of India notified guidelines for the prevention and regulation of dark patterns in 2023, specifying 13 dark patterns. The JWG has been formed to identify and eliminate dark patterns.
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
