Are You Being Misled While Shopping Online? Govt Cracks Down On E-Commerce Dark Patterns

In a significant move aimed at enhancing consumer protection in the digital economy, the Indian government has taken enforcement action against several leading e-commerce and technology platforms for continuing to deploy "dark patterns" deceptive user interface practices that mislead consumers. On May 28, 2025, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs issued formal notices to eleven companies, including well-known platforms citing violations of the 2023 guidelines on the prohibition of dark patterns.

This enforcement action marks the first major step in implementing the "Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns, 2023", issued by the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. While the guidelines have been in effect since November 30, 2023, the recent notices signal the government's growing determination to hold digital businesses accountable for manipulative design choices that undermine consumer autonomy.