Last Updated:June 08, 2025, 11:39 IST
The CCPA mandates e-commerce sites to eliminate dark patterns within three months through self-audits. Let’s understand what dark patterns are in e-commerce.
What are dark patterns in e-commerce?
Dark Patterns In E-commerce: To enhance online shopping safety, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has mandated that e-commerce websites identify and eliminate dark patterns within three months through self-audits.
The consumer affairs department stated that all e-commerce platforms must review their interfaces for practices that undermine consumer choice or constitute unfair trade practices. Based on their audit findings, platforms are encouraged to provide self-declarations confirming their sites are free from deceptive practices. These self-declarations will help create a fair digital ecosystem and build trust between consumers and e-commerce platforms.
This pose a larger question among all online shoppers: what are dark patterns in e-commerce?
Dark Patterns In E-Commerce
As the name signifies, dark patterns are ‘dark’ or ‘malpractice’ being adopted by e-commerce platforms to trick customers into buying the products what they don’t actually want.
It’s not just related to buying but other unsolicited nudges like sharing personal data, subscribing without knowing, and making it hard to cancel a service.
CCPA said that a joint working group has been set up to monitor violations and suggest awareness programmes. The group comprises of various ministers, regulators, consumer organization and national law universities.
E-Commerce Market To Reach $345 Billion In FY30
Indian e-commerce is anticipated to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 27% to reach US$163 billion by 2026.
India’s e-commerce platforms reached a significant milestone, achieving a GMV of US$60 billion in FY23, which represents a 22% increase from the previous year, according to IBEF.
The Indian e-commerce market is expected to expand from US$125 billion in FY24 to US$345 billion in FY30.
Quick commerce platforms are also alleged to use dark patterns to influence customers to buy. Some examples of dark patterns in QSR are: fake urgency, hidden charges, pre-selected add-ons, confirmshaming, manipulative discounts, and hard-to-find cancellation or return info.
Varun Yadav is a Sub Editor at News18 Business Digital. He writes articles on markets, personal finance, technology, and more. He completed his post-graduation diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Inst…Read More
Varun Yadav is a Sub Editor at News18 Business Digital. He writes articles on markets, personal finance, technology, and more. He completed his post-graduation diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Inst… Read More
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