As online shopping continues to expand rapidly across India, the focus on consumer protection has become stronger. In a significant move, twenty six e commerce companies including Flipkart, Myntra, Swiggy, Zomato, Zepto, Meesho, BigBasket, MakeMyTrip and Ajio have confirmed that their platforms are now free of dark patterns after completing mandatory self audits ordered by the government.
Dark patterns are deceptive design practices that influence users into actions they may not intend, such as buying items with hidden charges, responding to fake urgency messages, accepting confusing terms or dealing with complex cancellation processes. The 2023 guidelines identify thirteen such banned practices, including basket sneaking, confirm shaming, drip pricing and subscription traps.
According to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, all twenty six companies have submitted self declarations to the Central Consumer Protection Authority. These declarations state that each platform has carried out either internal or third party audits of its website and app to check for manipulative design elements. The ministry said, “The proactive industry wide compliance demonstrates a strong commitment towards consumer transparency, fair trade practices, and ethical digital ecosystems.” It added that “This voluntary alignment underscores the fact that consumer protection and business growth can go hand in hand, strengthening brand trust and long term credibility.”
The CCPA had issued an advisory in June 2025 directing all e commerce players to complete the compliance process within three months and make their status public. This step was taken after consumer complaints increased and more users depended on digital transactions.
While the latest declarations reflect substantial progress, authorities have clarified that oversight will continue. The CCPA is tracking platforms that have not yet completed their audits and has stated that action will be taken against those found violating the guidelines.
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