New Delhi: In a major boost to consumer protection in India’s digital marketplace, 26 leading e-commerce platforms have voluntarily declared full compliance with the Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns, 2023, following self-audits or third-party assessments to eliminate deceptive online design practices.
Officials said on Thursday, the companies submitted self-declaration letters confirming that their platforms are free of dark patterns and do not employ manipulative user interface elements. The move marks a significant step in promoting fair trade practices and enhancing transparency across India’s rapidly expanding e-commerce ecosystem.
The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) welcomed the declarations and described them as an industry-best practice, encouraging other digital businesses to follow suit. The authority had earlier directed companies to upload these self-audit declarations on their websites for public access. The list is also available on the CCPA portal.
The CCPA said the development underscores that consumer trust and business growth can reinforce each other, adding that manipulative design tactics are short-sighted strategies that ultimately harm both companies and users. The authority reaffirmed that it continues to monitor potential violations and will act against erring platforms if required.
To raise awareness among consumers, the government has been conducting outreach through the National Consumer Helpline, social media campaigns, videos and education programmes, enabling users to identify and report dark patterns. Complaints are being addressed systematically, and enforcement action is under consideration in relevant cases.
The 2023 guidelines, notified on 30 November last year, prohibit 13 types of dark patterns, including false urgency, basket sneaking, confirm shaming, forced action, subscription traps, drip pricing and disguised advertisements. These rules, issued under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, form part of the government’s broader push to create a more transparent and consumer-centric digital environment.
To strengthen compliance, the CCPA issued an advisory in June 2025 directing all e-commerce platforms to conduct mandatory self-audits within three months. The advisory stressed transparency, clear disclosures and explicit consumer consent, and followed extensive consultations with industry, academia and consumer groups.
Among the companies that declared compliance are Flipkart, Myntra, Cleartrip, Zepto, Swiggy, Zomato, BigBasket, MakeMyTrip, Ajio, JioMart, Tata 1mg, Netmeds, PharmEasy, Blinkit, Ixigo, Meesho, and several major retail brands such as Reliance Digital, Hamleys, Duroflex and Page Industries.
All 26 platforms have affirmed that their interfaces are free of manipulative elements and that ongoing monitoring mechanisms are in place to ensure continued adherence to the guidelines.
