India’s fight against deceptive online practices is entering a new phase. On 28 May 2025, the Union Minister for Consumer Affairs will meet key stakeholders in New Delhi to address dark patterns-manipulative user interface tactics used by digital platforms.
The high-level meeting will bring together representatives from major e-commerce players across food, pharmacy, travel, cosmetics, clothing, and electronics sectors. Big names like Amazon, Flipkart, Zomato, Swiggy, Apple, Meesho, Ola, MakeMyTrip, WhatsApp, Uber, 1mg, Netmeds, Tata, Reliance Retail, and Meta are expected to join. Airlines such as IndiGo and travel portals like ClearTrip, EaseMyTrip, and Thomas Cook will also participate.
The discussion aims to generate strong, collaborative solutions to eliminate unfair digital practices. National Law Universities, Voluntary Consumer Organisations (VCOs), and industry groups will provide regulatory and academic perspectives.
What are dark patterns?
Dark patterns are design tricks used by websites or apps to nudge users into unintended actions-like buying unwanted items, sharing data, or subscribing to services unknowingly. These practices damage consumer trust and disrupt fair competition in digital commerce.
Key government moves so far
On 30 November 2023, the Department of Consumer Affairs issued detailed guidelines banning 13 types of dark patterns. These include:
- False urgency
- Basket sneaking
- Confirm shaming
- Subscription traps
- Bait and switch
- Trick questions
- Nagging
- SaaS billing
- Drip pricing, among others
These rules were shaped after wide stakeholder consultations and mark a strong push towards transparent consumer experience.
Tech solutions & public awareness
In October 2023, the department launched the Dark Patterns Buster Hackathon with IIT (BHU). Participants built tools to detect and eliminate dark patterns online. The result? Three powerful consumer protection apps, rolled out on National Consumer Day 2024.
The government is also running awareness campaigns and regularly scans digital marketplaces for deceptive tactics. It maintains constant dialogue with tech companies and policy groups to keep up with new threats.
Collaboration, not conflict
The Ministry stresses that consumer protection and business ease can coexist. The upcoming stakeholder meeting highlights a participatory approach—balancing regulation with innovation.
By rallying businesses, academia, and consumer bodies, India is building a digital marketplace rooted in fairness, accountability, and trust.
