Government May Consider Action as Amazon Delays Dark-Pattern Compliance Filing
Amazon has yet to submit a mandatory self-declaration confirming compliance with India’s dark-pattern guidelines, even as 26 other major e-commerce platforms have already filed their statements with the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA). A senior government official indicated that the delay might stem from Amazon’s complex internal approval process, but warned that if consumer complaints continue, punitive action may follow. Authorities will monitor grievance channels such as the National Consumer Helpline to track violations.
The government does not plan to hold further discussions with the company. Penalties under the Consumer Protection Act may include fines of up to ₹10 lakh for first-time offences and ₹50 lakh for repeat violations, with no upper limit for unfair trade practices. Meanwhile, Amazon said it is committed to complying with the Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns, 2023, and is in regular communication with the Ministry of Consumer Affairs.
In contrast, 26 leading platforms including Flipkart, Myntra, Ajio, JioMart, BigBasket, Swiggy, Blinkit, MakeMyTrip, PharmEasy and others submitted their declarations on November 20, confirming that their platforms are free of 13 identified dark-pattern tactics such as false urgency, basket sneaking and subscription traps. These submissions followed the government’s earlier advisory directing platforms to conduct self-audits within three months and report compliance. A Joint Working Group continues to evaluate violations and recommend awareness initiatives for consumers.
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