Team Blitz India
NEW DELHI: In a step that would substantially bring down misleading advertisements and claims online, the Centre has banned use of ‘dark patterns’ on e-commerce platforms.
The move is aimed at protecting consumers’ interest. ‘Dark patterns’ are fabricated or set up by the companies to deceive customers and manipulate their choices.
A gazette notification in this regard as “Guidelines for prevention and regulation of dark patterns” was issued on November 30 by the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) which is applicable to all platforms offering goods and services in India.
The notification equally applies to even advertisers and sellers and hence bringing a huge relief to online consumers and a step that could increase people’s confidence in transacting online for purchasing goods and services.
Penalty to be imposed Now on, resorting to dark patterns will amount to misleading advertisement or unfair trade practice or violation of consumer rights. The penalty will be imposed as per the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act 2019.
‘Dark patterns’ are deceptive design patterns using user interface or user experience interactions on any platform and are designed to mislead or trick users to do something they originally did not intend or want to do. They are built to subvert and impair the consumer’s autonomy in making decision making or choice.
Some major types of ‘Dark Patterns’ areurgency,basket sneaking, confirm shaming, forced action, nagging,subscription traps, interface interference,bait and switch, hidden costs anddisguised ads.
