Dark Patterns Removed: Flipkart, Zomato, Reliance Digital & others will not levy hidden charges

New Delhi: The government has announced a big relief for millions of online shopping users. The government said that 26 major e-commerce companies have declared themselves that their platforms are now completely free from dark patterns. Dark patterns are the wrong ways in which customers are unconsciously forced to make decisions that they may not want to take. Now users will get a clear, transparent and reliable online experience on these platforms.

According to the government, 26 e-commerce platforms themselves have declared that they are fully compliant in accordance with the Dark Pattern Rules 2023. These companies have conducted an internal investigation or third party audit of their platform to ensure that customers do not face any misleading or forced decision-making designs.

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Dark patterns are techniques that force a customer to accidentally pay extra money or forcibly take a subscription. Such as false agency, basket sneaking, confirmed shaming, drip pricing, etc. The government has banned 13 such dark patterns. Removing them is a big win in the interest of the customer.

Among the companies which have declared themselves dark pattern free, Zepto, Farm Easy, JioMart, Flipkart, Myntra, MakeMyTrip, BigBasket, Tata 1MG, Blinkit, Page Industries, Ajio, Tira Beauty, Hamlez, Reliance Digital and Meesho. This step of these companies will further strengthen the trust of users.

Now, the customers will not get hidden charges on the payment page. Stopping any subscriptions will be easy. Fake agencies or countdowns will not force users to buy. Customers will get clear pricing, clear order options and transparent suggestions. This will make online shopping safer and easier.

Will be motivated for self-regulation

The CCPA said that this move of these 26 companies is a positive sign for the entire digital market. This will also motivate other online platforms to self-regulate themselves. The government had been trying to eliminate design practices like online fraud for a long time and this success is a big step in that direction.

Now shopping will be transparent

Customers will get relief from unnecessary clicks, hidden expenses and complex interfaces once the dark pattern is removed. This decision of companies will directly benefit the users and promote ethical trading in the digital market.