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Flipkart completes self-audit on dark patterns; says aligned to CCPA guidelines - The Economic Times

Economic Times

Economic Times · 2m ago

Flipkart completes self-audit on dark patterns; says aligned to CCPA guidelines - The Economic Times

Flipkart Group, including Myntra, Flipkart Wholesale, and Cleartrip, has completed a self-audit of its digital platforms to adhere to Central Consumer Protection Authority guidelines against dark patterns. Rajneesh Kumar, Flipkart's chief corporate affairs officer, highlighted the group's commitment to consumer protection and compliance. The audit aims to ensure accountability and transparency, reinforcing Flipkart's responsibility toward consumers. The results were submitted to the Consumer Affairs Secretary, emphasizing ongoing collaboration with the Ministry of Consumer Affairs.

Related News

BigBasket completes self-audit on dark patterns; submits declaration to consumer affairs ministry - The Economic Times

Economic Times

Economic Times · 1m ago

BigBasket completes self-audit on dark patterns; submits declaration to consumer affairs ministry - The Economic Times

BigBasket has completed a self-audit of its quick commerce platform, ensuring compliance with Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) guidelines to eliminate dark patterns, which include misleading consumer practices like false urgency alerts and hidden costs. The audit results have been submitted to the Consumer Affairs ministry. This move underscores BigBasket's commitment to transparent and fair consumer interactions, aiming to bolster consumer confidence and support a more responsible digital economy.

Government says 26 firms declare 'no dark patterns'

Entrackr

Entrackr · 6h ago

Government says 26 firms declare 'no dark patterns'

Government says 26 firms declare 'no dark patterns' According to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, companies including Flipkart, Amazon, Zepto, Myntra, MakeMyTrip, BigBasket, Swiggy, Zomato, and Meesho have completed internal or third-party audits and have declared compliance. The Ministry stated that 26 e-commerce platforms have submitted self-declarations affirming that their user interfaces are free from dark patterns. These actions follow the government's guidelines on preventing and regulating dark patterns, which are manipulative design practices that can mislead users during shopping or subscription processes. The Central Consumer Protection Authority stated that the declarations indicate a growing readiness among major digital platforms to adopt user-friendly and transparent interfaces. The regulator has also requested other platforms to publish similar declarations on their websites and conduct regular audits. This development arrives amid increased scrutiny of e-commerce platforms for deceptive design choices. Recently, the Department of Consumer Affairs initiated an inquiry into Flipkart and Amazon after discovering issues like extra charges for cash on delivery and hidden fees during checkout. Such surprise cost additions and confusing pricing formats can influence consumer choices and fall under identified dark pattern categories. Zepto faced criticism after users highlighted a design choice that inadvertently led customers toward higher delivery and handling fees. The company's co-founder and CEO Aadit Palicha acknowledged the issue, termed it a mistake, and stated that the feature was removed. With more platforms submitting declarations that they do not use dark patterns, the government emphasizes self-regulation and public disclosure as parts of its broader transparency framework for e-commerce. Recent regulatory steps signal that authorities continue to assess design practices that might affect consumer choices.

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.

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

Economic Times

Economic Times · 2y 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.

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

Inc42 · 1y 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

Cert-In pivots cybersecurity audits to threat readiness - The Economic Times

Economic Times

Economic Times · 3m ago

Cert-In pivots cybersecurity audits to threat readiness - The Economic Times

The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (Cert-In) has introduced new cybersecurity audit guidelines shifting focus from compliance to continuous threat preparedness. These require organizations to implement robust measures for breach prevention and real-time response, with top management taking responsibility for audits. The guidelines mandate comprehensive auditing of ICT systems, emphasizing manual and automated testing. Sectors like banking and healthcare are most impacted, pushing for a more standardized, mature cybersecurity audit approach across enterprises.

Govt probes ecommerce platforms over cash-on-delivery charges - The Economic Times

Economic Times

Economic Times · 1m ago

Govt probes ecommerce platforms over cash-on-delivery charges - The Economic Times

The government has initiated an investigation into ecommerce platforms accused of charging extra fees for cash-on-delivery orders, a practice viewed as misleading to consumers and a violation of their rights. Consumer affairs minister Pralhad Joshi reported this action, categorizing these charges under "dark patterns," manipulative tactics that influence consumer choices negatively. This investigation follows recent governmental actions to eliminate unfair digital practices, broadening the banned dark patterns list to curb deceptive ecommerce behaviors.

Govt asks ecommerce companies to refrain from using dark patterns

Economic Times

Economic Times · 2y ago

Govt asks ecommerce companies to refrain from using dark patterns

The ministry is also in the process of framing guidelines for discouraging the usage of dark patterns, said Rohit Kumar Singh, secretary, department of consumer affairs which comes under the ministry of consumer affairs.

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.

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