Delhi: India’s Consumer Affairs Ministry has warned major e-commerce and digital service platforms to comply with new guidelines on ‘dark patterns’—deceptive user interface designs—or face legal consequences.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said platforms have been directed to audit their apps and websites for manipulative design elements and submit reports to the Department of Consumer Affairs. A joint working group will be formed to monitor compliance and curb such practices.

“If they do not follow the guidelines, action will be taken as per the law,” Joshi said following a meeting with representatives from over 50 digital platforms.

Platforms like Kuku FM lure users with ₹1-2 trial periods, then auto-switch to paid plans like ₹100-699/month without clear consent, often surprising users with unexpected charges.

Dark patterns, formally recognized as unfair trade practices under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, include tactics such as false urgency, basket sneaking, bait and switch, drip pricing, and subscription traps. Guidelines to curb these were issued by the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) in November 2023.

Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare said the CCPA has issued 11 notices for dark pattern violations and over 400 for broader unfair trade practices. She noted that scrutiny will now extend to quick-commerce and ride-hailing sectors.

A LocalCircles survey revealed widespread use of dark patterns by ride-hailing apps like Uber, Ola, BluSmart, InDrive, and Rapido. Users reported pricing changes during checkout, limited cancellation options, and pre-selected paid add-ons—examples of forced action and drip pricing.

The ministry has launched the Jagriti App and Dashboard to help consumers identify and report such practices. The government’s intensified scrutiny reflects a growing push for fairness, transparency, and accountability in India’s booming digital economy.