Content :
- Central Consumer Protection Authority issues advisory to E-Commerce Platforms for self-audit within 3 months to detect Dark Patterns and ensure its resolution
- India has taken a proactive and forward-thinking approach to extreme heat risk management
Central Consumer Protection Authority issues advisory to E-Commerce Platforms for self-audit within 3 months to detect Dark Patterns and ensure its resolution
Overview of the Advisory
- Issued by: Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), under Department of Consumer Affairs.
- Date: 7 June 2025.
- Target: All e-commerce platforms operating in India.
- Purpose: Eliminate deceptive practices (Dark Patterns) to ensure consumer welfare and transparency.
Relevance : GS 2(Governance ) , GS 3(Cyberspace , E-commerce)
Key Directives to E-Commerce Platforms
- Self-Audit Requirement:
- Platforms to conduct internal audits within 3 months.
- Goal: Identify and eliminate any Dark Patterns present on their interface.
- Self-Declaration Encouraged:
- Platforms should declare themselves compliant, based on audit outcomes.
- Aim: Foster consumer trust and a fair digital marketplace.
- Strict Advisory Against Deceptive Designs:
- Platforms must refrain from deploying misleading interfaces that affect consumer choices.
Enforcement and Monitoring
- Notices Issued:
- CCPA has already served notices to platforms found in violation.
- Active Monitoring:
- CCPA is vigilantly tracking potential violations of the 2023 Guidelines.
- Identified instances of Dark Patterns already found on several platforms.
Joint Working Group (JWG) Formation
- Purpose: Systematic identification and redressal of Dark Patterns.
- Composition:
- Representatives from: relevant Ministries, regulators, consumer organizations, and National Law Universities (NLUs).
- Mandate:
- Detect violations regularly.
- Share findings with the Department of Consumer Affairs.
- Suggest awareness and educational initiatives for consumers.
Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns, 2023
- Issued by: Department of Consumer Affairs.
- Objective: Protect consumer autonomy and ensure informed consent in digital environments.
- List of 13 Recognized Dark Patterns:
- False urgency – Fake time pressure
- Basket sneaking – Hidden extra items
- Confirm shaming – Guilt-based prompts
- Forced action – Mandatory tasks
- Subscription trap – Difficult
cancellation
- Interface interference – Misleading design
- Bait and switch – Offer then change
- Drip pricing – Hidden final costs
- Disguised advertisements – Ads as content
- Nagging – Repetitive prompts
- Trick wording – Confusing language
- SaaS billing – Unclear software charges
- Rogue malwares – Hidden harmful software
Significance and Impact
- Reinforces digital consumer rights and fair trade practices.
- Encourages accountability and transparency among e-commerce entities.
- Reflects Government’s proactive approach to regulate the growing digital economy.
India has taken a proactive and forward-thinking approach to extreme heat risk management
Context: Dr. P. K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, highlighted India’s integrated and globally aligned approach to extreme heat risk governance at a UN session in Geneva, calling heatwaves a transboundary and systemic threat requiring collective global action.
Relevance : GS 3(Disaster Management)
Heatwaves as a Global and Systemic Crisis
- Declared as a transboundary and systemic risk—affecting public health, economy, and ecology.
- Particularly dangerous for densely populated urban areas.
- Aligns with the UN’s recognition of extreme heat as a global challenge.
India’s Leadership and Global Role
- Dr. Mishra welcomed the UNDRR’s Common Framework for Extreme Heat Risk Governance.
- Called for international cooperation in:
- Technological innovation,
- Data sharing,
- Joint research,
- Financing mechanisms.
- India committed to sharing expertise, tools, and institutional capacity with global partners.
India’s Proactive National Strategy
- Under PM Modi’s leadership, India moved from reactive disaster response to proactive risk governance.
- National Guidelines for heatwave management developed by NDMA (2016, revised 2019).
- Decentralized implementation via Heat Action Plans (HAPs).
Current National Coverage
- 250+ cities/districts across 23 heat-prone states have operational HAPs.
- These plans are supported through NDMA’s:
- Technical support,
- Advisory mechanisms,
- Institutional frameworks.
Multi-Sectoral Whole-of-Society Approach
- Involves ministries of:
- Health, Urban Affairs, Agriculture, Labor, Power, Water, Education, Infrastructure.
- Collaboration with:
- Public health institutions,
- Civil society organizations,
- Research institutes and universities.
Key Interventions and Best Practices
- Ahmedabad Heat Action Plan cited as a model for:
- Early warnings,
- Agency coordination,
- Community outreach.
- Initiatives include:
- Surveillance systems,
- Hospital preparedness,
- Mass awareness campaigns.
- Significant decline in heatwave-related mortality observed.
Long-Term Mitigation Measures
- Focus on urban heat resilience and infrastructure adaptation:
- Cool roof technologies,
- Passive cooling centers,
- Urban greening,
- Revival of traditional water bodies.
- Integration of Urban Heat Island (UHI) assessments in city planning.
Major Policy Shift in Funding
- National and State Disaster Mitigation Funds (SDMF) can now be used for heatwave mitigation.
- Encourages co-financing from:
- Local governments,
- Private sector,
- NGOs,
- Individuals.
- Promotes shared responsibility and sustainable solutions.
Future Needs and Global Call to Action
- Urged development of:
- A localized heat-humidity index using real-time data.
- Culturally appropriate, affordable cooling technologies.
- Stressed equity concerns—women, children, elderly, and outdoor workers are most vulnerable.
- Emphasized role of schools in shaping climate-resilient behavior.
Conclusion
- India is ready to be a global leader in extreme heat governance.
- Supports the creation of a Common Framework for knowledge, policy, and financing.
- Calls for a coordinated, inclusive, and forward-looking global effort.
