Government may take action as Amazon delays dark-pattern declaration
What's the story
Amazon has not yet provided a self-declaration confirming compliance with India's dark-pattern rules. This comes as 26 other major e-commerce platforms have already completed the process. Dark patterns are misleading design strategies on websites and apps that manipulate users into unintended actions, such as unwanted purchases or sharing personal information.
Possible repercussions
Amazon's scale and internal approvals may be causing the delay
According to Moneycontrol, a senior government official has said that if consumer complaints continue, the government might consider punitive action against Amazon. The delay in compliance could be due to the company's large scale and multiple internal approval layers. However, the official added that "we have done what we had to. Now it is for them to inform consumers that they are not using dark patterns."
Company response
Commitment to consumer protection
Responding to the delay, an Amazon spokesperson said, "At Amazon, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of consumer protection and ensuring full compliance with the Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns, 2023." The spokesperson added that they have been in regular communication with the Ministry of Consumer Affairs on this matter.
Audit requirements
Self-audits and compliance declarations
In June, the government directed all e-commerce platforms to complete self-audits for dark patterns within three months of the advisory. Platforms were also urged to submit self-declarations confirming they do not use any dark patterns. This initiative is part of a broader effort by the Department of Consumer Affairs, which has also set up a Joint Working Group (JWG) to track violations on e-commerce sites.
Compliance confirmations
26 platforms confirmed compliance with guidelines
As of November 20, 26 of India's major e-commerce platforms had submitted self-declaration letters to the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), confirming adherence to the government's dark-pattern guidelines. The list includes Flipkart, Myntra, Ajio, JioMart, BigBasket, Zepto, and others. All these companies stated that their interfaces are free from any of the 13 dark patterns identified under the Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns, 2023.