Union Government Intensifies Oversight on Deceptive Online Practices
The Union government has elevated its scrutiny of misleading digital practices, colloquially referred to as “dark patterns,” as escalating consumer complaints regarding e-commerce and digital platforms come to light.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi announced that the ministry is actively identifying and tackling these deceptive tactics that misguide users into unintended decisions.
Government Vigilance Against Manipulative Strategies
During an event organized by the Bureau of Indian Standards in celebration of National Consumer Day in New Delhi, Joshi remarked that corporations are continuously inventing novel ways to manipulate online user behavior.
However, he reassured that the government remains steadfast in its vigilance. The ministry routinely receives updated reports on emerging dark patterns and promptly takes action to mitigate them.
Combatting Deceptive Practices with Guidelines
In an effort to stymie these practices, the consumer affairs ministry has officially recognized 13 distinct dark patterns, including subscription traps and incessant notifications.
In November 2023, comprehensive guidelines were issued to regulate unfair trade practices across digital platforms, aimed at enhancing transparency and safeguarding consumer choice in online transactions.
Enhancing Grievance Redressal Mechanisms
Joshi also emphasized the government’s commitment to expedited and streamlined grievance redressal through digital channels. Highlighting the e-Jagriti initiative—an integrated online platform launched in January 2025—he noted that over 1.4 lakh consumer cases have been registered, with a correspondingly high number resolved within the same year, indicative of improved resolution timelines.
Consumer Commissions and Access to Justice
Official data reveals that district consumer commissions have collectively managed over 1.19 lakh cases, successfully resolving more than 1.20 lakh, including thousands settled within five months of filing.
The introduction of hybrid video conferencing has facilitated over 90,000 hearings nationwide, significantly improving access to justice for consumers residing in remote areas as well as Non-Resident Indians (NRIs).
National Consumer Helpline’s Remarkable Impact
From April to mid-December 2025, the National Consumer Helpline enabled refunds totaling ₹42.6 crore across 30 sectors, addressing more than 63,800 refund-related grievances. The helpline, accessible in 17 regional languages, can be reached via calls, WhatsApp, email, the NCH app, and the dedicated 1915 short code.
Enforcement Measures by the Central Consumer Protection Authority
The Central Consumer Protection Authority has issued 452 class action notices and levied over ₹2.13 crore in penalties, notably including actions against coaching institutes.
The government has urged e-commerce entities to conduct thorough self-audits against dark patterns within a three-month timeframe, reinforcing a robust message of stringent compliance and prioritization of consumer-centric digital practices.
Source link: Storyboard18.com.
