CCPA Issues Guidelines Against ‘Dark Patterns’ To Safeguard Consumer Interests In E-Commerce

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has taken a significant step to protect consumers from deceptive practices in e-commerce by issuing guidelines that categorise ‘dark patterns’ as offences under consumer protection law. Effective November 30, these guidelines define and prohibit 13 dark patterns, practices designed to mislead users into unintended actions. Any person or platform engaging in such practices will face penalties. The move comes in response to demands from consumer forums since CCPA’s establishment in July 2020. The guidelines extend to cover misleading advertisements and endorsements, applying strict regulations to e-commerce entities. Examples of dark patterns include false urgency creation, basket sneaking and confirmation shaming, among others.