Dark Patterns

• 29 May 2025

Source: TH 

The Department of Consumer Affairs has issued notices to various e-commerce platforms for using deceptive “dark patterns” to manipulate consumer behavior unfairly, terming it as unfair trade practices. 

Dark Patterns 

• About: Dark Patterns are manipulative design techniques used in user interfaces (UI) and user experiences (UX) on websites, apps, or digital platforms, which are deliberately crafted to deceive, mislead, or pressure consumers into actions they may not have intended to take.  
  • The term "dark patterns" was introduced in 2010 by user experience expert Harry Brignull. 
  • It exploits user behavior to serve business interests, undermining consumer autonomy, transparency and fair trade principles. 

• Related Government Measures: The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, issued guidelines in 2023 to curb dark patterns.  
  • Apps like Jago Grahak Jago and the Jagriti Dashboard were launched to enable the CCPA to take suo motu action against such unfair trade practices. 

Read More: Dark Patterns,  Consumer Protection Act, 2019,