26 Major E-Commerce Firms Declare Platforms Free of Dark Patterns, Says Govt

Twenty-six of India’s leading e-commerce companies have formally declared that their platforms are free from dark patterns—deceptive online design tactics that mislead or manipulate consumers—the government announced on Thursday.

According to a statement from the Department of Consumer Affairs, the companies voluntarily submitted self-declaration letters affirming compliance with the Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns, 2023. The move marks a “significant step” toward strengthening consumer protection in the rapidly growing digital marketplace, the department said.

The companies conducted internal reviews or third-party audits to identify and remove any dark patterns embedded in their user interfaces. “All 26 companies have declared that their platforms are free from dark patterns and do not deploy any manipulative user interface designs,” the statement noted.

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) said these declarations are expected to encourage more companies to adopt similar self-regulation measures. The 2023 guidelines, notified on November 30 last year, ban 13 types of dark patterns, including false urgency, basket sneaking, confirm shaming, forced action, subscription traps, bait-and-switch tactics, drip pricing, disguised ads, nagging, trick wording, and rogue malware.

Among the companies that have self-certified compliance are Zepto, Zomato, Swiggy, JioMart, BigBasket, PharmEasy, Flipkart, Myntra, Walmart India, MakeMyTrip, Reliance Digital, Tata 1mg, Meesho, Ajio, Blinkit, and Cleartrip. Others include Netmeds, Ixigo, Hamleys, Page Industries, Reliance Jewels, Tira Beauty, Duroflex, MilBasket, and Curaden India. The Department of Consumer Affairs said it will continue monitoring digital platforms to ensure sustained compliance and safeguard user rights.