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26 Platforms Pledge No More Dark Patterns: A Consumer Win?
27 Nov
Summary
- 26 e-commerce platforms declared full compliance with dark pattern rules.
- CCPA mandated prominent display of self-audit declarations online.
- Guidelines prohibit 13 specific manipulative user interface designs.
Last week, 26 e-commerce platforms submitted self-declaration letters, affirming their complete adherence to the 2023 Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns. This action marks a crucial stride in safeguarding consumers from manipulative online design tactics. The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) had previously instructed companies to publish their self-audit declarations prominently on their websites.
The CCPA lauded these disclosures as exemplary and urged other digital businesses to embrace similar self-regulatory measures. The authority emphasized that deceptive practices are ultimately detrimental to both consumers and businesses. All 26 companies confirmed, through internal or third-party audits, that their platforms are free from dark patterns.
These comprehensive guidelines, notified in November 2023, identify and prohibit 13 specific dark patterns, such as false urgency, subscription traps, and bait-and-switch tactics. Issued under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, they are integral to fostering a trustworthy digital environment. An advisory issued in June 2025 further reinforced the requirement for e-commerce platforms to conduct mandatory self-audits.
