Government Initiative

Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) issued "Dark Pattern Prevention and Monitoring Guidelines" in 2023, identifying 13 dark patterns, including speeding, card theft, subscription traps, and SaaS billing.

Central Consumer Protection Authority is a regulatory authority set up under Section 10(1) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 in relation to matters affecting rights of consumers by individuals or entities following improper trade practices or by display of inappropriate or wrong advertisements affecting public interest and helps promoting consumer trust by enforcing the rights of consumers through effective guidelines.

13 Dark Patterns

Speeding, Card theft, Fraud, Subscription traps, Interface problems, Bait and switch, Discounting, Fake ads and complaints, Fraudulent terms, SaaS billing, Malicious intent

CCPA Actions on Companies

BookMyShow: Added unauthorized charge for 'BookASmile'. CCPA intervention led to an opt-in option for donations (Basket Sneaking).

IndiGo: CCPA addressed 'Confirm Shaming' and seat selection transparency issues.

CCPA Consumer Protection Efforts

Held industry meetings to discourage dark patterns.

Used social media for consumer education.

Trained National Consumer Helpline team for dark pattern grievances.

Technological Tools

Jago Grahak Jago App: Alerts consumers of unsafe URLs.

Jagriti App: Allows users to report illegal dark patterns.

Jagriti Dashboard: Real-time monitoring of e-commerce platforms for dark patterns.

Research and Development

Developed by IIT(BHU) students: Apps run on the Airawat AI Supercomputer, part of the National Supercomputing Mission.

CCPA's Goals

Create a transparent digital marketplace.

Educate consumers on rights.

Regulate e-commerce to prevent subscription traps and misleading offers.

Encourage ethical design practices.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Consider the following statements about National Consumers Day:

1. It is celebrated annually on December 24 to commemorate the enactment of the Consumer Protection Act, of 1986.
2. The Consumer Protection Act, 2019, which replaced the 1986 Act, provides for the establishment of a Consumer Protection Authority to address grievances.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: c

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: National Consumers Day is indeed celebrated on December 24 every year to mark the enactment of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986.

Statement 2 is correct: The Consumer Protection Act, 2019, replaced the 1986 Act and created the Consumer Protection Authority to address consumer grievances and regulate the e-commerce sector.