The Department of Consumer Affairs said that it is set to launch the ‘Jago Grahak Jago App,’ and ‘Jagriti App,’ for public use on National Consumers Day 2024, December, 24. It said these apps will empower consumers with tools to identify dark patterns on e-commerce platforms. Also, the Central Consumer Protection Authority is being strengthened with the ‘Jagriti Dashboard’ which is used to generate real-time reports on e-commerce URLs for the presence of dark patterns, enhancing the capability to monitor and regulate online consumer interactions effectively.

“This solution will aid the CCPA in identifying dark patterns, speeding up the resolution of consumer disputes and will go a long way in curbing practices that are detrimental to consumer interests,” it added.

The ‘Jago Grahak Jago App,’ provides essential e-commerce information about all URLs during a consumer’s online activities, alerting them if any URL may be unsafe and requires caution. Meanwhile, the ‘Jagriti App,’ allows users to report URLs where they suspect the presence of one or more dark patterns declared illegal. These reports are then registered as complaints to the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) for possible redressal and subsequent action, it added.

“Through the above initiatives, the Department endeavours to create a transparent and fair digital marketplace where consumers can make informed decisions without being tricked or coerced; educate consumers about their rights and regulate e-commerce platforms to prevent practices such as subscription traps, where consumers are unknowingly signed up for recurring payments.

The Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns in 2023 specified 13 dark patterns, which include false urgency, basket sneaking, confirm shaming, forced action, Subscription trap, Interface Interference, Bait and switch, Drip Pricing, Disguised Advertisements and Nagging, Trick Wording, Saas Billing and Rogue Malware. CCPA had earlier issued notices to IndiGo Airlines and BookMyShow under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 for alleged Misleading Advertisement/Unfair Trade Practices in the form of deceptive design patterns/dark patterns. It noted both companies have now resolved these issues.