26 major e-commerce companies in India have said they will no longer use dark patterns on their apps and websites. They have submitted self-declaration letters to the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) after carrying out internal or third-party audits. Platforms such as Flipkart, Myntra, Zomato, and Swiggy are part of this list, covering sectors like grocery, food delivery, pharmacy, fashion, and travel. These companies have also published their declarations on their own websites for consumers to view. The Department of Consumer Affairs says this is a significant step toward safer digital experiences and hopes it will motivate more companies to follow the same approach. What are Dark Patterns Dark Patterns are tricks that mislead users during online shopping. For example, creating fake urgency, where it says ‘Buy now or stock will run out’, or secretly adding extra items to the cart. In the ‘Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns; notified in 2023, 13 such patterns have been banned. These include False Urgency, Basket Sneaking, Confirm Shaming, Forced Action, Subscription Trap, Interface Interference, Bait and Switch, Drip Pricing, Disguised Ads, Nagging, Trick Wording, SAAS Billing, and Rogue Malware. These tricks are used to trap consumers into buying unwanted products or subscriptions. Under the Consumer Protection Act 2019, these guidelines came into effect on November 30, 2023, to bring transparency to the digital market. Which companies declared themselves dark pattern-free? According to the declaration letters received by CCPA, 26 platforms have confirmed having zero dark patterns on their sites. What was the role of the Central Government? The Department of Consumer Affairs issued an advisory in June 2025, asking e-commerce companies to conduct a self-audit and submit a declaration within 3 months.
Through the National Consumer Helpline (NCH), social media campaigns, informative videos, and workshops were conducted so that consumers could identify dark patterns and file complaints. The CCPA has called this an example and has asked other digital players to do the same. If a company misses the deadline, regulatory action may be taken. How will consumers benefit Currently, companies have voluntarily promised that they will not use dark patterns, but in the coming time, the government may also strictly enforce it. This will mean consumers will face fewer tricks when using shopping apps, leading to a safe and transparent experience. The department said that this campaign will strengthen digital consumer safety. More companies will join it in the future.
Consumers will also be informed through educational campaigns about dark patterns, what dark patterns are and how to identify them. In the long run, this will make the e-commerce sector more trustworthy.
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