Indian Government Urges E-Commerce Giants to Eradicate Dark Patterns in Online Shopping

In a significant move to protect online consumers, the Indian government, led by Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi, has called on major e-commerce platforms to proactively eliminate dark patterns from their websites and apps. This directive comes as part of a high-level stakeholder meeting held on May 28, 2025, in New Delhi, aimed at addressing deceptive design practices that manipulate consumer behavior.

Dark patterns are user interface tactics designed to trick users into making unintended decisions, such as subscribing to services or purchasing products they did not intend to buy. Common examples include hidden fees, forced subscriptions, and misleading countdown timers. The government has expressed growing concern over how these practices undermine consumer trust in the rapidly expanding e-commerce sector.

During the meeting, attended by representatives from major platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, and Swiggy, Minister Joshi urged companies to conduct self-audits to identify and remove such deceptive designs. The focus is on fostering transparency and ensuring that consumers can make informed decisions without being misled by manipulative tactics.

The Department of Consumer Affairs is also exploring stricter regulations and penalties for non-compliance. Discussions included sharing industry best practices and reinforcing consumer rights protection in the digital marketplace. This initiative reflects the government's broader commitment to creating a fair and safe online shopping environment.

Recent criticisms by Minister Joshi, such as his remarks on app-based services like Uber for features deemed 'unethical and exploitative,' highlight the urgency of addressing these issues. The government aims to set a precedent for ethical digital practices as e-commerce continues to grow in India.

As the dialogue between the government and industry stakeholders progresses, consumers can expect enhanced protections against deceptive online practices. This collaborative effort could pave the way for a more trustworthy digital economy, benefiting both businesses and shoppers in the long run.