🚀 Medial Secures Investment on Shark Tank India - Fueling the Future of Professional Social Networking. 🔥

Startup Showcase

Premium Content

Try our Valuation Calculator →

News on Medial

Clampdown on ecommerce dark patterns may raise compliance burden for companies

Economic Times

Economic Times · 1m ago

Clampdown on ecommerce dark patterns may raise compliance burden for companies

The Indian government's initiative to curb 'dark patterns'—deceptive design practices in consumer apps—could increase compliance burdens on companies but may not immediately resolve the issue, according to industry experts. These patterns manipulate users into unintended actions, and companies must conduct audits to eliminate such tactics. A joint working group is proposed to oversee compliance, while experts stress the need for sustained enforcement. Self-regulation alone might not suffice in fostering consumer trust.

1

Related News

Centre To Take Action Against Ecommerce Players For Flouting Dark Pattern Norms

Inc42 · 10m ago

Centre To Take Action Against Ecommerce Players For Flouting Dark Pattern Norms

- Government complaints received about ecommerce players violating dark pattern norms during festive season sales - Central Consumer Protection Authority investigating and taking action against violators - Guidelines addressing regulation of dark patterns were notified by the Centre last year - Dark patterns are deceptive tactics used by ecommerce companies to manipulate consumers - Dark pattern norms aim to protect consumer rights and promote fair practices in ecommerce - Consumer awareness about dark patterns is increasing, leading to more scrutiny and enforcement efforts

Govt issues list of 13 dark patterns plaguing e-commerce websites

Inc42 · 1y ago

Govt issues list of 13 dark patterns plaguing e-commerce websites

The Indian government has released a list of 13 dark patterns, deceptive designs used by ecommerce companies to manipulate users, as part of guidelines for prevention and regulation. The dark patterns include false urgency, basket sneaking, confirm shaming, forced action, subscription traps, interface interference, bait and switch, drip pricing, disguised advertisements, nagging, trick questions, Saas billing, and rogue malwares. These practices aim to mislead or trick users into taking actions that may not be in their best interests.

Govt Mulling App To Curb Deceptive Practices By Online Platforms

Inc42 · 1y ago

Govt Mulling App To Curb Deceptive Practices By Online Platforms

The Indian government plans to launch a mobile application to alert consumers about dark patterns used by ecommerce companies. The app aims to detect deceptive techniques and send an alert to users, who can then file a complaint with consumer forums. This initiative is part of the government's agenda for the first 100 days following the formation of the next government. Last year, the government introduced guidelines addressing the regulation of dark patterns in an effort to combat deceptive behavior by ecommerce platforms.

Govt considering mandatory system to put brakes on Ecommerce sites’ fake reviews

Inc42 · 1y ago

Govt considering mandatory system to put brakes on Ecommerce sites’ fake reviews

The Indian government is considering implementing a mandatory system for e-commerce platforms to combat fake reviews, as the country experiences a surge in online shopping. This follows the government's recent notification of guidelines to address "dark patterns" and curb deceptive practices by e-commerce companies. These guidelines now identify 13 types of dark patterns, up from the previous 10. The Secretary of the Department of Consumer Affairs emphasized the need for authentication of product reviews and mentioned plans to release guidelines to prevent "greenwashing." The government has warned e-commerce platforms against using dark patterns in their user interfaces.

Consumer watchdog directs ecommerce platforms to conduct self-audits to eliminate deceptive practices

YourStory

YourStory · 2m ago

Consumer watchdog directs ecommerce platforms to conduct self-audits to eliminate deceptive practices

The Central Consumer Protection Authority has ordered ecommerce platforms to conduct self-audits within three months to eliminate 'dark patterns,' deceptive design practices that mislead consumers. This initiative aims to enhance consumer protection in the growing digital economy. Ecommerce sites must check for unfair practices and provide self-declarations if free from deceptive practices. The government also established a working group to monitor violations and promote awareness, outlining 13 specific deceptive practices to avoid.

WhatsApp clampdown highlights video call compliance threat for finance firms

Economic Times

Economic Times · 1y ago

WhatsApp clampdown highlights video call compliance threat for finance firms

Financial firms may need to screen staff video calls for compliance breaches, similar to the crackdown on business-related text messages, according to sources familiar with US investor probes. Regulators, such as the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), may expand recording requirements to include video calls. The concern is that video calls could be used to share non-public information illicitly. Finance firms are now employing technology specialists and risk consultants to monitor and retain video calls to meet record-keeping requirements and manage associated risks.

App anxiety: why users are extra cautious while using apps meant for daily convenience

Economic Times

Economic Times · 1y ago

App anxiety: why users are extra cautious while using apps meant for daily convenience

Many online shopping apps are using "dark patterns" to manipulate and deceive users into performing actions they wouldn't have otherwise done. These patterns include tactics like false urgency, hidden fees, and subscription traps. Even savvy users are falling victim to these tactics, leading to frustration, feelings of being cheated, and extra vigilance during online transactions. Reports indicate that a majority of sites and apps worldwide use dark patterns, highlighting the need for consumer awareness and regulatory action to address this issue. Dark patterns make technology stressful and counterproductive to its original purpose.

Delivery To Launch Dark Stores For Ecommerce Players

Inc42 · 1y ago

Delivery To Launch Dark Stores For Ecommerce Players

Delhivery CEO Sahil Barua announced plans to offer delivery services that will reduce delivery time to 2-4 hours for ecommerce companies. The logistics unicorn will establish dark stores for specific product categories, enabling rapid deliveries. Barua also emphasized the possibility of multiple companies sharing the costs of these dark stores.

Govt seeks public comments on draft guidelines for regulation of dark patterns on online platforms

Economic Times

Economic Times · 1y ago

Govt seeks public comments on draft guidelines for regulation of dark patterns on online platforms

The government has sought public comments on draft guidelines for prevention and regulation of "dark patterns" which are nothing but tactics used by online players to deceive customers or manipulate their choices. The draft guidelines, issued by the Consumer Affairs Ministry, list various deceptive practices being adopted by online platforms in the nature of dark patterns which are against the interests of consumers.

Companies grapple with expanding cyber rules

Livemint

Livemint · 11m ago

Companies grapple with expanding cyber rules

Regulators are imposing strict reporting requirements on companies that fall victim to cyberattacks, leading to compliance challenges as the rules are inconsistent and overlapping. Organizations must comply with multiple federal demands, state regulations, and industry-specific requirements. The situation is further complicated by differing deadlines for reporting incidents. Regulators are pushing for faster notifications, creating a race to implement shorter reporting periods. Navigating these complexities and staying compliant is proving to be a heavy burden, especially for companies operating in multiple states and industries. Efforts to harmonize these regulations have been limited, and a recent Supreme Court decision may further complicate cybersecurity regulations by limiting the power of federal agencies.

Trackers

Active Indian VC’s

OG Capital Email

With a hands-on approach, OG Capital aims to invest in over 20 promising...

Accel Partners Email

Early and growth-stage investments in disruptive technology companies with...

Early-stage venture capital firm investing in technology startups in India. Focus on...

Access All Trackers

Startup Showcase Winners

June 2025

Helping your parents when you are miles away

The Pit Stop Your Cravings Deserve

The next generation E-commerce platform

Enter Ongoing Startup Showcase

Top Users

Trending News on Medial

Download the medial app to read full posts, comements and news.