Online shopping platforms will not charge hidden charges from customers: 26 platforms like Flipkart-Myntra and Zomato-Swiggy are dark pattern free, see list

26 big e-commerce platforms of the country have announced to stop using dark patterns on their apps and websites. These companies have submitted self-declaration letters to the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) after internal or third-party audit.

These companies include platforms like Flipkart, Myntra, Zomato and Swiggy. These companies belong to grocery, food delivery, pharmacy, fashion and travel segments. Companies have also uploaded these declarations on their websites so that consumers can check.

The Department of Consumer Affairs has called this a big step for digital consumer safety, which will inspire other companies to adopt self-regulation.

What are dark patterns?

Dark patterns are tricks that mislead users during online shopping. Like creating a fake urgency, where it is written ‘buy now otherwise out of stock’, or secretly adding extra items to the cart. In the Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns notified in 2023, 13 such patterns have been banned.

These include false urgency, basket sneaking, confirm shaming, forced action, subscription traps, interface interference, bait and switch, drip pricing, disguised ads, nagging, trick wording, SAAS billing, and rogue malware.

These tricks are used to trick consumers into purchasing unwanted products or subscriptions. Under the Consumer Protection Act 2019, these guidelines came into effect on November 30, 2023, to bring transparency in the digital market.

Which companies made themselves dark pattern free?

According to declaration letters received by CCPA, 26 platforms have confirmed that there are zero dark patterns on their sites.

These 26 companies are now dark pattern free

What was the role of the central government?

The Department of Consumer Affairs had issued an advisory in June 2025, asking e-commerce companies to conduct self-audit and submit declarations within 3 months.

Social media campaigns, informative videos and workshops were conducted through the National Consumer Helpline (NCH) to enable consumers to identify dark patterns and lodge complaints.

CCPA has called this an example and asked other digital players to do the same. If a company misses the deadline, regulatory action may be taken.

How will consumers benefit?

Right now the companies have voluntarily promised that they will not run dark patterns, but in the coming time the government can also implement it strictly. With this, consumers will now have to face fewer tricks while using shopping apps, which will provide a safe and transparent experience.

The department said that this campaign will strengthen digital consumer safety. More companies will join it in future. Educational campaign to educate consumers about dark patterns It will also be explained what dark patterns are and how to catch them. This will make the e-commerce sector more reliable in the long run.

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