India tightens scrutiny of manipulative online design tactics as major platforms, from Zepto and Zomato to Flipkart and JioMart to submit voluntary compliance under the 2023 dark-pattern rules
Around 26 major ecommerce players have formally stated that, through voluntary self-declarations that their platforms do not use dark patterns as per the Ministry of Consumer Affairs. Companies such as Zepto, Zomato, Swiggy, JioMart and BigBasket are among those that have submitted these assurances.
In a statement, the Department of Consumer Affairs said the development marks a key move to strengthen consumer safeguards across India’s fast-expanding digital commerce ecosystem. According to the ministry, all 26 platforms have provided written confirmations that they comply with the 2023 Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns.
The department noted that it has been actively working to clamp down on misleading website or app design elements that can nudge, pressure or trick users into unintended actions. The companies, it said, have undertaken either internal assessments or independent audits to detect and remove any such tactics.
“All 26 companies have declared that their platforms are free from dark patterns and do not deploy any manipulative user interface designs,” the statement said.
The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) added that these voluntary declarations are likely to motivate more companies to adopt similar self-regulatory measures.
Issued on November 30, 2023, the dark pattern guidelines define and bar 13 specific manipulative design practices, including False Urgency, Basket Sneaking, Confirm Shaming, Forced Action, Subscription Trap, Interface Interference, Bait & Switch, Drip Pricing, Disguised Advertisements, Nagging, Trick Wording, SaaS Billing and Rogue Malwares.
Companies that have certified their platforms as dark-pattern-free include PharmEasy, Zepto Marketplace, Flipkart Internet, Myntra Designs, Walmart India, MakeMyTrip (India), BigBasket (Innovative Retail Concepts) and JioMart (Reliance Retail).
Other prominent platforms that have submitted compliance declarations after conducting audits include Zomato, Swiggy, Blinkit, Page Industries, William Penn, Cleartrip, Reliance Jewels, Reliance Digital, Netmeds, Tata 1mg, Meesho, Ixigo, MilBasket, Hamleys, Ajio, Tira Beauty (Reliance Retail), Duroflex and Curaden India.
