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Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Dark Pattern Guidelines: Govt warns E-Commerce platforms to comply or face action
Rohit Mehta is an Indian blogger, author and entrepreneur. He owns a blog named Digital Gabbar which is Available in English & Hindi. Rohit has been in the digital marketing and IT sector for over 10 years. He can be reached at Facebook, Instagram or Twitter (@bloggermehta). LESS ... MORE India's digital economy is booming, but so are deceptive online practices. To combat manipulative design tactics, the Indian government has issued a strong warning to e-commerce and digital service platforms: follow dark pattern guidelines or face legal action. This marks a major move by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs to ensure fair trade practices and protect Indian consumers from digital deception. What are dark patterns? Dark patterns are deceptive user interface designs intended to mislead or manipulate users into actions they might not take otherwise. These include tactics like: False urgency : Creating fake time pressure (e.g., 'only 1 left!'). Basket sneaking : Adding items or services to a shopping cart without explicit consent. Bait and switch : Promoting one offer and then replacing it with another. Drip pricing : Revealing additional charges only at the final step of checkout. Subscription traps : Making it hard to cancel or opt-out of subscriptions. Such practices have now been officially categorised as unfair trade practices under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. Government mandate: Audit and submit reports Union Minister Pralhad Joshi announced that all digital platforms must audit their apps and websites for these manipulative elements. The audit reports must be submitted to the Department of Consumer Affairs. To enforce compliance, the government will form a joint working group that will monitor digital platforms and take necessary actions if violations are found. 'If they do not follow the guidelines, action will be taken as per the law,' — Pralhad Joshi Dark pattern guidelines by CCPA In November 2023, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) issued a comprehensive framework to curb dark patterns. These guidelines aim to ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability in digital transactions. Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare shared that: The CCPA has issued 11 notices for dark pattern violations. Over 400 notices have been issued for broader unfair trade practices. Quick-commerce and ride-hailing platforms are now under closer scrutiny. Sectors under the scanner Dark patterns are not limited to e-commerce alone. Several sectors have come under the government's radar: Ride-hailing apps Education & streaming platforms Govt launches Jagriti App for consumers To empower consumers, the Ministry has launched the Jagriti App and Dashboard, enabling users to: Report dark pattern practices Understand their digital rights Stay updated on government actions The bigger picture: Accountability in the digital age With over 50+ digital platforms already being addressed, India's latest move signals a robust push for ethical design, transparent pricing, and consumer-first policies in online services. The warning is clear—manipulative designs have no place in India's digital future. Final thoughts The introduction and enforcement of dark pattern guidelines is a major step toward creating a safe and trustworthy digital environment in India. E-commerce, streaming, ride-hailing, and education platforms must now prioritise ethical user experience design or be prepared to face legal consequences. As the government strengthens consumer protection measures, platforms must shift their focus from manipulation to genuine value creation. If you're a consumer and notice suspicious app behavior, report it through the Jagriti App today. Awareness is your first shield against digital deception. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Time of India
AI in education: How to use AI to transform learning
Rohit Mehta is an Indian blogger, author and entrepreneur. He owns a blog named Digital Gabbar which is Available in English & Hindi. Rohit has been in the digital marketing and IT sector for over 10 years. He can be reached at Facebook, Instagram or Twitter (@bloggermehta). LESS ... MORE Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming industries across the globe, and education is no exception. From smart tutoring systems to automated grading and personalized learning experiences, AI is reshaping how students learn and how teachers teach. In this article, we'll explore how to use AI in education and the many ways it is changing the future of learning. What is AI in education? AI in education refers to the use of artificial intelligence technologies to enhance teaching and learning experiences. It includes everything from machine learning algorithms that personalize lesson plans to chatbots that assist with homework. How to use AI in education: Top applications Personalized learning AI can analyze a student's learning habits, strengths, and weaknesses to tailor educational content to their specific needs. Platforms like Khan Academy and DreamBox Learning use AI to adjust difficulty levels and recommend topics based on performance. Benefits: Adapts to each student's pace Fills learning gaps effectively Increases engagement and motivation Smart content creation AI tools can automatically generate content like quizzes, flashcards, and even entire lessons. Some platforms use natural language processing (NLP) to convert textbooks into digital, interactive study materials. Example tools: Quizlet (AI-powered flashcards) Socratic by Google (explains concepts using AI) AI tutors and virtual assistants AI-powered chatbots and virtual tutors provide students with 24/7 support outside the classroom. These tools can answer common questions, explain complex concepts, and provide extra practice problems. Popular tools: ChatGPT for Education IBM Watson Tutor Duolingo's AI Language Coach Automated grading AI can save teachers time by automating the grading of multiple-choice tests, fill-in-the-blank quizzes, and even short answers using NLP. This gives teachers more time to focus on student engagement and lesson planning. Advantages: Speeds up assessment process Reduces grading bias Provides instant feedback to students Predictive analytics for student performance AI systems can predict which students are at risk of failing by analyzing attendance, participation, and past performance data. This allows educators to intervene early and offer support. Use cases: Student retention programs in universities Early warning systems for K-12 schools AI-powered language learning Language apps now use AI to track pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary. These apps offer real-time corrections and personalized practice based on performance. Popular tools: Duolingo Rosetta Stone AI Elsa Speak Enhanced accessibility AI helps make education more accessible for students with disabilities. Tools like speech-to-text, real-time captions, and screen readers improve learning experiences for everyone. Examples: Microsoft Immersive Reader Google's Live Caption for transcription Pros and Cons of Using AI in Education Pros Cons Personalized learning experiences Requires strong internet infrastructure Saves time for teachers High cost of implementation Improves student engagement May reduce human interaction Enables 24/7 support Data privacy concerns Future of AI in education As AI continues to evolve, we can expect even more advanced applications in the classroom. Virtual reality (VR) combined with AI will create immersive learning environments, while AI-driven analytics will guide curriculum development. Final thoughts The use of AI in education is no longer a distant dream—it's happening now. From personalized learning to AI tutors and automated grading, schools and institutions are embracing technology to improve outcomes and make learning more engaging. While challenges exist, the benefits of using AI in education far outweigh the drawbacks. If you're an educator, parent, or student, it's time to explore the potential of AI to enrich the learning journey. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
