CLAP Panel Discussion | Unveiling the Shadows: Exploring Dark Patterns in the Realm of Consumer Protection Law
Online – join the session
Saturday, February 10, 2024, 3:00 pm
The Chair on Consumer Law and Practice (CLAP) at NLSIU, is organising a Virtual Panel Discussion on “Unveiling the Shadows: Exploring Dark Patterns in the Realm of Consumer Protection Law” on Saturday, February 10, 2024, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
The panel discussion aims to shed light on the pervasive use of dark patterns in the digital landscape and their implications for consumer protection laws. Recognizing dark patterns and bringing them out of disguise not only cautions those who practice them but also creates awareness among the consumers, regarding such manipulation.
By bringing together experts from legal, academics, consumer advocacy and e-commerce fields, the discussion will explore the challenges posed by dark patterns and potential strategies to address them within the framework of Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns, 2023 (Guidelines) notified by the Central Consumer Protection Authority. This discussion is a part of CLAP’s mission in fostering awareness and promoting positive change in the digital landscape.
About the Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns, 2023
The Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns, 2023 (Guidelines) have been officially notified by the Central Consumer Protection Authority. These guidelines aim to prevent and regulate the use of ‘dark patterns’ employed by online platforms, advertisers, and sellers. Issued under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 (Act), they extend and complement the previously issued Guidelines for Prevention of Misleading Advertisements and Endorsements for Misleading Advertisements, 2022 (Misleading Advertisements Guidelines) notified under the Act in June 2022.
Dark Patterns: Meaning
In the Guidelines, Dark Patterns are expansively described as any practices or deceptive design patterns within the user interface or user experience interactions on any platform. These are crafted with the intent to deceive or mislead users into taking actions they did not initially intend or desire. The practice or deceptive design should have (a) resulted in subverting or impairing consumer autonomy, decision-making or choice; and (b) amounted to a misleading advertisement or an unfair trade practice, or a violation of consumer rights.
The tentative schedule is available here.
The link to join the session on February 10, 2024 is available here.