In a significant boost to consumer rights, 26 major e-commerce platforms including Flipkart, Swiggy, Zomato, MakeMyTrip, Myntra, Zepto, BigBasket, Ajio and JioMart have officially informed the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) that their apps and websites are now free of dark patterns after completing the mandatory self-audit.
The development marks one of India’s most coordinated industry responses to digital consumer protection norms.
What the Platforms Have Done
The companies submitted declarations to the CCPA confirming that they have carried out detailed audits either through in-house teams or external agencies to identify and eliminate manipulative interface designs.
Dark patterns refer to deceptive UI elements that subtly pressure, trick or mislead users into choices they may not otherwise make. These tactics include:
Fake countdown timers
Hidden charges
Forced signups
Manipulated language
Pre-selected options
Subscription traps
Disguised advertisements
The CCPA had issued an advisory in June 2025 mandating all digital platforms to run these audits within three months, warning that violations would invite action under the Consumer Protection Act.
CCPA Lauds Industry Response
According to officials, the compliance level has been “excellent,” with platforms across sectors from travel, groceries and food delivery to fashion, beauty, and online pharmacies submitting their declarations on time.
The authority said the industry’s proactive approach shows that transparent design standards are “moving from a mere regulatory requirement to an industry norm.”
Some companies such as Flipkart and Myntra chose third-party evaluators, while several others relied on internal compliance teams to review interface practices.
Dark Patterns Officially Banned Since 2023
India banned dark patterns under the Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns, 2023, which list 13 manipulative practices that platforms must avoid. These include:
Basket sneaking
Confirm shaming
Trick wording
Interface interference
Nagging pop-ups
The Consumer Affairs Ministry has also been running nationwide awareness campaigns through the National Consumer Helpline, social media platforms, and outreach programmes to help users identify and report suspicious design elements.
Complaints received through these channels are currently being examined, and enforcement action will follow if discrepancies are detected.
More Oversight Ahead
While the CCPA has welcomed the companies’ declarations, it has also made it clear that oversight will continue. Platforms must prominently display their dark-pattern-free declarations on their websites, and the authority will conduct periodic checks to ensure ongoing compliance.
The move signals a tightening of digital consumer protection norms and places renewed emphasis on clean, transparent, and consent-based user experiences across India’s booming e-commerce landscape.
