Dark patterns remain rampant on Indian online platforms despite crackdown: Study

Nearly two years after the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) notified 13 types of “dark patterns” as unfair trade practices, most online platforms in India continue to deploy them, according to a new report from community platform LocalCircles.

Dark patterns are deceptive design strategies that manipulate users into making choices they would not otherwise make — such as paying hidden fees, falling into subscription traps, or sharing unnecessary personal data. Under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, violations can attract penalties of…