Govt To Launch Apps To Curb Dark Patterns In Ecommerce

On 24 December 2024, National Consumers Day, the Department of Consumer Affairs will introduce three cutting-edge digital tools for public use, namely the ‘Jago Grahak Jago App,’ ‘Jagriti App,’ and ‘Jagriti Dashboard.’ These initiatives aim to bolster consumer protection in the digital age by addressing unfair practices in ecommerce and online services.

The launch aligns with the government's broader efforts to strengthen consumer rights, following the 2023 Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns issued by the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA). These guidelines identify 13 manipulative tactics used in digital interfaces, including false urgency, basket sneaking, confirm shaming, forced action, subscription traps, and disguised advertisements.

The CCPA has already acted against such practices. For instance, BookMyShow was found to be engaging in "basket sneaking" by auto-adding a Re 1 donation to ‘BookASmile’ without user consent. Similarly, IndiGo Airlines was flagged for "confirm shaming" with misleading language like "No, I will take risk" on their app. Both companies revised their practices following CCPA intervention, with BookMyShow offering an opt-in option and IndiGo updating its wording and redesigning its web check-in page to ensure transparency.

The newly developed tools, crafted by students Prince Aman and Nameet Mishra from the NCC Lab, IIT (BHU) leverage the Airawat AI Supercomputer under the National Supercomputing Mission. These tools form part of a cyber-physical system that detects manipulative design patterns on ecommerce platforms.

The ‘Jago Grahak Jago App’ provides users with real-time alerts about potentially unsafe URLs during online activities. The ‘Jagriti App’ enables users to report suspected dark patterns, escalating complaints to the CCPA for action. The ‘Jagriti Dashboard’ empowers the CCPA by generating real-time reports on ecommerce platforms, identifying and addressing unfair practices efficiently.

In addition to these tools, the CCPA has been engaging with industry stakeholders and utilising its social media platforms to educate consumers about dark patterns. The National Consumer Helpline has also been equipped to handle grievances related to these manipulative tactics effectively.

Through these initiatives, the Department aims to:

• Foster a transparent and fair digital marketplace where consumers can make informed choices.
• Regulate ecommerce platforms to prevent deceptive practices like subscription traps and misleading offers.
• Encourage businesses to adopt ethical design principles that prioritise transparency and consumer rights.

By equipping consumers and regulators with advanced tools, the Department of Consumer Affairs reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding consumer interests in the digital economy.