Dark Patterns In E-Commerce: What They Mean And Why The Govt Is Cracking Down
Last Updated:
The CCPA mandates e-commerce sites to eliminate dark patterns within three months through self-audits. Let's understand what dark patterns are in e-commerce.
Dark Patterns In E-commerce: To enhance online shopping safety, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has mandated that e-commerce websites identify and eliminate dark patterns within three months through self-audits.
The consumer affairs department stated that all e-commerce platforms must review their interfaces for practices that undermine consumer choice or constitute unfair trade practices. Based on their audit findings, platforms are encouraged to provide self-declarations confirming their sites are free from deceptive practices. These self-declarations will help create a fair digital ecosystem and build trust between consumers and e-commerce platforms.
Quick commerce platforms are also alleged to use dark patterns to influence customers to buy. Some examples of dark patterns in QSR are: fake urgency, hidden charges, pre-selected add-ons, confirmshaming, manipulative discounts, and hard-to-find cancellation or return info.
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Varun Yadav
First Published:
June 08, 2025, 11:38 IST
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Dark Patterns In E-Commerce: What They Mean And Why The Govt Is Cracking Down
Last Updated: The CCPA mandates e-commerce sites to eliminate dark patterns within three months through self-audits. Let's understand what dark patterns are in e-commerce. Dark Patterns In E-commerce: To enhance online shopping safety, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has mandated that e-commerce websites identify and eliminate dark patterns within three months through self-audits. The consumer affairs department stated that all e-commerce platforms must review their interfaces for practices that undermine consumer choice or constitute unfair trade practices. Based on their audit findings, platforms are encouraged to provide self-declarations confirming their sites are free from deceptive practices. These self-declarations will help create a fair digital ecosystem and build trust between consumers and e-commerce platforms. Quick commerce platforms are also alleged to use dark patterns to influence customers to buy. Some examples of dark patterns in QSR are: fake urgency, hidden charges, pre-selected add-ons, confirmshaming, manipulative discounts, and hard-to-find cancellation or return info. About the Author Varun Yadav First Published: June 08, 2025, 11:38 IST
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