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Indian Express
2 days ago
- Indian Express
Knowledge Nugget : What are ‘dark patterns' in e-commerce? A must-know for your UPSC prep
What is the government's stand against the ' dark patterns' in e-commerce? Take a look at the essential concepts, terms, quotes, or phenomena every day and brush up your knowledge. Here's your knowledge nugget for today. (Relevance: The government has taken several steps for consumer protection, from enacting the Consumer Protection Act to launching the app for easing the filing of cases. In this regard, it becomes essential to understand the growing concern around 'dark patterns' in e-commerce for your UPSC exam preparation.) To identify and eliminate dark patterns on e-commerce platforms, the government has asked e-commerce platforms to regularly conduct an audit on their platforms. 'Companies must not wait for the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) to intervene. They should proactively recognize and remove these deceptive practices before notices are issued. This is not regulatory compliance: it's about building trust with your consumers,' said Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi. 1. Dark patterns, also known as deceptive patterns, is the term used to describe the ways in which websites or apps make their users do things that the users do not intend to do or would not otherwise do, as well as to discourage user behaviour that is not beneficial for the companies. 2. Understand 'dark pattern' through example: Think of that annoying advertisement that keeps popping up on your screen, and you can't find the cross mark 'X' to make it go away because the mark is too small to notice (or to click/ tap). Worse, when you try to click/ tap on the tiny 'X', you sometimes end up tapping the ad instead. 3. The term dark patterns was coined by Harry Brignull, a London-based user experience (UX) designer, in 2010. The Internet is replete with examples of dark patterns. On December 1, 2023, the CCPA issued guidelines for the 'prevention and regulation' of dark patterns. It has specified 13 dark patterns. (i) False urgency: Creates a sense of urgency or scarcity to pressure consumers into making a purchase or taking an action. It includes showing false popularity of a product or service to manipulate user decisions or stating that quantities of a particular product or service are more limited than they actually are. (ii) Basket sneaking: Dark patterns are used to add additional products or services to the shopping cart without the user's consent. (iii) Confirm shaming: Uses guilt to make consumers adhere; criticises or attacks consumers for not conforming to a particular belief or viewpoint. (iv) Forced action: Pushes consumers into taking an action they may not want to take, such as signing up for a service in order to access content. (v) Nagging: User is disrupted and annoyed by repeated and persistent interactions, in the form of requests, information, options, or interruptions, to effectuate a transaction and make some commercial gains, unless specifically permitted by the user. (vi) Subscription traps: Easy to sign up for a service but difficult to quit or cancel; option is hidden or requires multiple steps; forcing a user to provide payment details or authorization for auto debits for availing a free subscription; or making the instructions related to cancellation of subscription ambiguous, latent, confusing, cumbersome. (vii) Bait & switch: Advertising a certain product/ service but delivering another, often of lower quality; (viii) Rogue Malwares: Using a ransomware or scareware to mislead or trick user into believing there is a virus on their computer and aims to convince them to pay for a fake malware removal tool that actually installs malware on their computer. (ix) Disguised ads: Designed to look like content, such as news articles or user-generated content. (x) Interface interference: Manipulate the user interface in a way that highlights certain specific information and obscures other obscures other relevant information relative to the other information; to misdirect a user from taking an action as desired. (xi) Drip pricing: A 'dark pattern' practice whereby elements of prices are not revealed upfront or are revealed surreptitiously within the user experience, or revealing the price post-confirmation of purchase, or a product or service is advertised as free without appropriate disclosure of the fact that the continuation of use requires in-app purchase. (xii) Trick Question: Deliberate use of confusing or vague language like confusing wording, double negatives, or other similar tricks, in order to misguide or misdirect a user from taking the desired action or leading the consumer to take a specific response or action. (xiii) Saas billing: Generating and collecting payments from consumers on a recurring basis in a software as a service (SaaS) business model by exploiting positive acquisition loops in recurring subscriptions to get money from users as surreptitiously as possible. Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) and UI/UX design company Parallel HQ Study 📍According to the study published by ASCI and UI/UX in August 2024, over 79 per cent of Indian apps trick users into giving away their personal data. It identified dark patterns in more than 50 Indian apps across sectors such as e-commerce, health, and fintech as well as cab-booking services and delivery platforms, with a total of 21 billion downloads. 📍It found that a majority of dark patterns were used by travel booking apps like Goibibo, MakeMyTrip and EaseMyTrip followed by delivery and logistics apps such as Zomato, Swiggy, Zepto, Borzo, etc. 📍E-commerce apps like Amazon, Flipkart, and Nykaa, among others, make it difficult for their users to delete their account, the study found. Additionally, four out of five health tech apps rushed users into making decisions through a tactic known as False Urgency. 1. CCPA is is being constituted under Section 10(1) of The Consumer Protection Act, 2019. The Act replaced the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, and seeks to widen its scope in addressing consumer concerns. It has come into force w.e.f 24th July 2020. It aims to protect the rights of the consumer by cracking down on unfair trade practices, and false and misleading advertisements that are detrimental to the interests of the public and consumers. 2. CCPA has the power to inquire or investigate into matters relating to violations of consumer rights or unfair trade practices suo motu, or on a complaint received, or on a direction from the central government. 3. The Act provides that the CCPA consists of a Chief Commissioner and such number of other Commissioners as may be prescribed, to be appointed by the Central Government to exercise the powers and discharge the functions under this Act. 4. The power to make rules to provide for the qualifications for appointment, term of office, salaries and allowances, resignation, removal, and other terms and conditions of the service of the Chief Commissioner and Commissioners of the Central Authority is bestowed upon the Central government. 5. The CCPA also has an Investigation Wing that is headed by a Director General. District Collectors, too, have the power to investigate complaints of violations of consumer rights, unfair trade practices, and false or misleading advertisements. Consider the following statements: 1. Dark pattern is a deceptive attempt made by e-commerce platforms to make users do things that they otherwise wouldn't. 2. 'Saas billing' is identified as a dark pattern by the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA). 3. In the 'Bait and Switch' dark pattern, elements of prices are not revealed upfront or are revealed post-confirmation of purchase. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for May 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at Khushboo Kumari is a Deputy Copy Editor with The Indian Express. She has done her graduation and post-graduation in History from the University of Delhi. At The Indian Express, she writes for the UPSC section. She holds experience in UPSC-related content development. You can contact her via email: ... Read More
New Indian Express
2 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Only walkie-talkies on permitted frequencies, compliant with regulations can be listed for sale online: Centre
NEW DELHI: The Centre has mandated that only walkie-talkie devices operating on permitted frequencies and compliant with Indian regulations can be listed for sale online. The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) on Friday issued the new guidelines to regulate the sale of walkie-talkie devices on e-commerce platforms in India including Amazon, Flipkart and others. According to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, walkie-talkies are often sold on e-commerce platforms without clear and mandatory disclosures regarding the requirement for a wireless operating licence or compliance with applicable laws. Many product listings fail to specify whether the device requires a licence from the appropriate authority for use. 'The omission of key details such as frequency range, licensing obligations under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, the Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933, and the Use of Low Power, Very Low Power Short Range Radio Frequency Devices (Exemption from Licensing Requirement) Rules, 2018 — along with the potential legal consequences of unauthorized use — misleads consumers into believing that these devices are freely operable by the general public,' the ministry stated in a press release. Under the new guidelines, sellers must clearly disclose the frequency range and technical specifications, and provide proof of regulatory approval, such as Equipment Type Approval (ETA). The CCPA also emphasized that misleading advertisements or product descriptions that misinform consumers about the legal use of such devices are strictly prohibited.
India Gazette
3 days ago
- Business
- India Gazette
Centre notifies guidelines for prevention and regulation of illegal listing and sale of radio equipment
New Delhi [India], May 30 (ANI): The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, has notified guidelines for the prevention and regulation of illegal listing and sale of radio equipment, including walkie-talkies, on e-commerce platforms. These guidelines have been notified to curb the unauthorised sale of wireless devices that may pose risks to consumer safety, mislead consumers regarding their legal position and interfere with critical communication networks, including those used by law enforcement and emergency services, the official statement said. These guidelines can be accessed on the department website through the following link. The guidelines were finalised following extensive inter-ministerial consultations with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). Key regulatory and security considerations provided by both departments have been incorporated into the final framework to ensure a coordinated and comprehensive approach. It was observed that walkie-talkies are being sold on e-commerce platforms without mandatory and clear disclosures regarding the requirement for a wireless operating license or compliance with applicable laws. The product listings for walkie-talkies do not specify whether the device requires a license from the concerned authority for use. The omission of details such as frequency range, licensing obligations under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, or the Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933, and the Use of Low Power, Very Low Power Short Range Radio Frequency Devices (Exemption from Licensing Requirement) Rules, 2018 and the potential legal consequences of unauthorized use, misleads consumers into believing that the devices are freely operable by the general public. Key highlights of the guidelines are as under: *Mandates that only authorised and compliant walkie-talkie devices operating on permitted frequencies are listed for sale on online platforms. *Product listings to specify frequency ranges and other technical parameters, and include proof of regulatory approval (Equipment Type Approval). *Requires e-commerce entities to undertake due diligence and verify regulatory compliance, including licensing where applicable and listings lacking frequency information or necessary certification should be taken down. *Prohibits misleading advertisements or product descriptions that may misinform consumers about the legal usage of such devices. *Sellers should ensure that equipment listed for sale does not operate on frequencies that are not exempt from the requirement of frequency assignment and authorisation by the DOT, and ensure that the frequency bands in the product description are clearly labelled. *Outlines penalties and enforcement mechanisms for violations in accordance with the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. With these guidelines, the Department aims to: *Ensure platforms perform due diligence before listing such products. *Mandate verification of seller credentials and certification. *Introduce automated monitoring and takedown mechanisms for unauthorised listings. *Promote consumer awareness through proper disclosures. *Enforce penalties and platform liability in case of non-compliance The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) had earlier issued thirteen notices against 16, 970 product listings to leading digital marketplaces against the listing and sale of walkie-talkies on e-commerce platforms without proper frequency disclosure, licensing information, or Equipment Type Approval (ETA), thereby, constituting violation of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. These platforms are under constant monitoring and examination, in addition to notification of the guidelines. (ANI)
Mint
3 days ago
- Business
- Mint
Walkie-talkie listings on e-commerce platforms under fire, govt issues advisory to regulate illegal sales
Walkie-talkie listings on E-Commerce platforms are under fire. The central government has issued guidelines to regulate the illegal sale of radio equipment online and address security issues. This crackdown comes in the wake of strengthening security arrangements across the country post-Operation Sindoor. A press release issued on 30 May states, 'The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, has notified Guidelines for the Prevention and Regulation of Illegal Listing and Sale of Radio Equipment including Walkie Talkies on E-Commerce Platforms, 2025.' As districts sharing a border with Pakistan prepare for Operation Shield mock drill, which is scheduled to take place on 31 May, the government is undertaking measures to curb the unauthorised sale of wireless devices online that may pose risks to consumer safety. It was observed that these wireless devices 'mislead consumers regarding their legal position and interfere with critical communication networks, including those used by law enforcement and emergency services'. E-Commerce Platforms and sellers are strictly required to comply with the advisory that states, 'No radio equipment shall be listed or sold on e-commerce platforms if the possession or use of such equipment requires that a frequency assignment from the DOT shall be obtained by the buyer. Such equipment (licensed equipment) shall be purchased only from a dealer duly authorised by DOT (DPA holder) listed on the Saral Sanchar portal of DOT.' Notably, the listing or sale of mobile signal boosters and wireless jammers online is illegal. Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan after the 22 April Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives, key regulatory and security concerns were raised that prompted the government to issue guidelines keeping in mind the safety of its citizens. Walkie-talkie sellers are required to disclose necessary information such as frequency bands on product description. Walkie-talkie sellers are required to disclose necessary information on digital marketing platforms such as frequency bands on product description, 'licensing obligations under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, or the Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933, and the Use of Low Power, Very Low Power Short Range Radio Frequency Devices (Exemption from Licensing Requirement) Rules'.
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Business Standard
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Consumer rights body issues guidelines for online sale of walkie-talkies
A regulatory body for consumer rights on Friday notified guidelines to curb the unauthorised sale of wireless devices, doing so almost three weeks after sending notices to ecommerce companies for listing and selling walkie-talkies without 'regulatory compliance'. The Central Consumer Protection Authority's (CCPA) 'Guidelines for the Prevention and Regulation of Illegal Listing and Sale of Radio Equipment including Walkie Talkies on E-Commerce Platforms, 2025,' mandate the listing of only authorised walkie-talkies operating on permitted frequencies. The guidelines call for full disclosure of frequency ranges and other technical parameters, prohibit misleading advertisements or product descriptions, and outline penalties and enforcement mechanisms for violations in accordance with the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. Ecommerce companies should undertake 'due diligence' and verify regulatory compliance, including licensing where applicable. The listings lacking frequency information or necessary certification should be taken down. "These guidelines have been notified to curb the unauthorised sale of wireless devices that may pose risks to consumer safety, mislead consumers regarding their legal position and interfere with critical communication networks, including those used by law enforcement and emergency services," said the Consumer Affairs Ministry in a statement. The Ministry added that ecommerce platforms are 'under constant monitoring and examination'. CCPA on May 9 sent 13 notices to ecommerce companies about 16,970 product listings for the sale of walkie-talkies without proper frequency disclosure, licensing information, or approval. It said the companies had violated the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. Platforms that got notices were Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho, OLX, TradeIndia, Facebook, Indiamart, VardaanMart, Jiomart, Krishnamart, Chimiya, Talk Pro Walie Talkie and MaskMan toys. Business Standard wrote to some of these companies when notices were sent but did not get a response.
