Consumer watchdog directs ecommerce platforms to conduct self-audits to eliminate deceptive practices

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), India's consumer watchdog, has directed all e-commerce platforms to conduct a self-audit to identify and eliminate "dark patterns" from their user interfaces. Dark patterns are deceptive design techniques used to mislead or trick users into making unintended choices, such as making it difficult to cancel a subscription or sneaking unwanted items into a shopping cart. The CCPA has given the platforms a three-month window to complete this audit and has encouraged them to submit a self-declaration of compliance. This advisory comes as part of a broader effort to enforce the "Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns, 2023." The move aims to enhance transparency, protect consumer interests in the digital marketplace, and ensure a fair and ethical online shopping environment. E-commerce companies are now under pressure to review their website and app designs to ensure they are not manipulative.