Have you ever been duped when making an internet purchase? Perhaps something was added to your cart without your consent, or perhaps terminating a subscription felt like the solution to a riddle. These are referred to as "dark patterns," and the government is now paying attention to them.
Pralhad Joshi, the Union minister for Food, Public Distribution, and Consumer Affairs, will chair a significant meeting in New delhi on May 28. The goal is to curb these deceptive online practices and create a more equitable wallet PLATFORM' target='_blank' title='digital-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW'>digital environment for customers like you.
What Are Dark Patterns?
Apps and websites employ dark patterns, which are ingenious yet unjust design techniques. They are designed to deceive or coerce people into taking actions they had not intended to take, such as purchasing additional goods, consenting to unanticipated fees, or registering for services they do not wish to use.
For instance, a notice that reads, "Only 1 seat left!" can prompt you to make a snap decision. Or perhaps you have trouble canceling a service. All of these motifs are dark and are currently prevalent.
The Big Players Are Coming to the Table
The government has invited all of the major wallet PLATFORM' target='_blank' title='digital-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW'>digital and e-commerce companies to this summit, which makes it significant. Among them are Apple, Paytm, WhatsApp, Ola, Uber, Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho, reliance Retail, Zomato, Swiggy, MakeMyTrip, and many more.
These businesses work in a variety of industries, including electronics, food delivery, travel, cosmetics, pharmacy, and apparel. They will have to describe how they are safeguarding users and how they are avoiding the usage of dark patterns.
Why This Meeting Matters
This meeting's objective is straightforward: safeguard consumers and put an end to deceptive online tactics. But pointing the finger at businesses isn't enough. For improved regulations and more equitable practices, the government encourages all parties—businesses, legal professionals, and consumers—to cooperate.
The conversation will include experts from industry associations, consumer rights organizations, and law schools. Their suggestions will contribute to the development of robust regulations that businesses will need to abide by going forward.
Government's Fight Against Online Tricks
The government has previously taken action. The Department published comprehensive guidelines outlining 13 troubling trends in november 2023, including subscription traps, hidden costs, muddled designs, and fake urgency.
Along with IIT (BHU), they organized a nationwide hackathon where students were invited to create technological methods to combat dark patterns. Three apps that assist users in avoiding internet pitfalls were developed from the finest concepts. In 2024, these applications were released on National Consumers Day.
In an effort to identify and halt these abuses, the government has also been monitoring online platforms and launching awareness programs.
Pralhad Joshi, the Union minister for Food, Public Distribution, and Consumer Affairs, will chair a significant meeting in New delhi on May 28. The goal is to curb these deceptive online practices and create a more equitable wallet PLATFORM' target='_blank' title='digital-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW'>digital environment for customers like you.
What Are Dark Patterns?
Apps and websites employ dark patterns, which are ingenious yet unjust design techniques. They are designed to deceive or coerce people into taking actions they had not intended to take, such as purchasing additional goods, consenting to unanticipated fees, or registering for services they do not wish to use.
For instance, a notice that reads, "Only 1 seat left!" can prompt you to make a snap decision. Or perhaps you have trouble canceling a service. All of these motifs are dark and are currently prevalent.
The Big Players Are Coming to the Table
The government has invited all of the major wallet PLATFORM' target='_blank' title='digital-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW'>digital and e-commerce companies to this summit, which makes it significant. Among them are Apple, Paytm, WhatsApp, Ola, Uber, Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho, reliance Retail, Zomato, Swiggy, MakeMyTrip, and many more.
These businesses work in a variety of industries, including electronics, food delivery, travel, cosmetics, pharmacy, and apparel. They will have to describe how they are safeguarding users and how they are avoiding the usage of dark patterns.
Why This Meeting Matters
This meeting's objective is straightforward: safeguard consumers and put an end to deceptive online tactics. But pointing the finger at businesses isn't enough. For improved regulations and more equitable practices, the government encourages all parties—businesses, legal professionals, and consumers—to cooperate.
The conversation will include experts from industry associations, consumer rights organizations, and law schools. Their suggestions will contribute to the development of robust regulations that businesses will need to abide by going forward.
Government's Fight Against Online Tricks
The government has previously taken action. The Department published comprehensive guidelines outlining 13 troubling trends in november 2023, including subscription traps, hidden costs, muddled designs, and fake urgency.
Along with IIT (BHU), they organized a nationwide hackathon where students were invited to create technological methods to combat dark patterns. Three apps that assist users in avoiding internet pitfalls were developed from the finest concepts. In 2024, these applications were released on National Consumers Day.
In an effort to identify and halt these abuses, the government has also been monitoring online platforms and launching awareness programs.
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