The ecommerce platforms, based on the self-audit reports, have also been encouraged to give self-declarations that their platform is not indulging in any dark patterns
In a major development on the dark patterns, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued an advisory to all ecommerce platforms to take necessary steps to ensure that their platforms do not engage in deceptive and unfair trade practices, which are in the nature of dark patterns.
As per the official statement, all ecommerce platforms have been advised to conduct self-audits to identify dark patterns within three months of the issue of the advisory and take necessary steps to ensure that their platforms are free from such dark patterns.
The ecommerce platforms, based on the self-audit reports, have also been encouraged to give self-declarations that their platform is not indulging in any dark patterns. The self-declarations by the platforms will enable a fair digital ecosystem along with building trust between consumers and ecommerce platforms, the statement added.
“The Department of Consumer Affairs constituted a Joint Working Group (JWG) comprises of representatives from concerned ministries, regulators, voluntary consumer organisations and NLUs. The mandate of this JWG is to examine and undertake measures to identify violations of dark patterns on ecommerce platforms and share the information with the Department of Consumer Affairs on regular intervals,” the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution stated.
CCPA has also issued notices to such platforms in some cases that have been found violating the Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of dark patterns. The JWG shall also suggest appropriate awareness programmes for creating awareness amongst the consumers
