The Department of Consumer Affairs said it has received self-declarations from 26 e-commerce firms confirming compliance with the guidelines for prevention of dark patterns. These declarations are based on either internal self-audits or third-party audits that identified, assessed, and eliminated dark patterns. Dark patterns are deceptive online design practices that mislead consumers.
These e-commerce players include Flipkart, Myntra, Zomato, Swiggy, Blinkit, Meesho, Zepto, Ixigo, MakeMyTrip, Cleartrip, BigBasket, and JioMart, among others.
Other companies include Page Industries (Jockey, Speedo), William Penn Pvt Ltd, PharmEasy, Duroflex Pvt Ltd, Tira Beauty, Reliance Jewels, Netmeds, and Tata 1mg.
The Ministry said this is part of India’s efforts to curb deceptive online design practices that mislead or manipulate consumers. It marks a strong commitment towards consumer transparency and ethical digital ecosystems.
“These platforms have conducted internal self-audits or third-party audits to identify, assess, and eliminate any presence of dark patterns. All 26 companies have declared that their platforms are free from dark patterns and do not deploy any manipulative user interface designs,” it added.
The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) had earlier directed e-commerce platforms to make such self declarations that are displayed prominently on their platforms.
“Every business operating in India’s digital space must recognise that manipulative practices are short-sighted strategies that harm both consumers and businesses in the long run,” it added.
It also said that through the National Consumer Helpline (NCH), it is systematically addressing complaints against dark patterns and enforcement action is being contemplated wherever necessary.
“The CCPA has reaffirmed that it is maintaining a close watch on potential violations and will not hesitate to act against errant platforms,” it added.
Published on November 20, 2025