Study Flags Widespread ‘Dark Patterns’ on Indian Digital Platforms

A new study by LocalCircles has revealed that deceptive 'dark patterns' continue to influence online consumer decisions across India despite increasing regulatory scrutiny. According to the report, more than 95% of publicly listed companies involved in digital consumer transactions use one or more manipulative interface designs during product selection, payments, subscriptions, or refund processes. The study recommends that the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) make it mandatory for all listed companies and firms planning to go public to certify that they do not use dark patterns in their digital platforms.

The report highlights that deceptive practices such as drip pricing, subscription traps, hidden charges, misleading default settings, confirm shaming, bait-and-switch techniques, and interface interference remain widespread across sectors including e-commerce, banking, OTT, travel, food delivery, and digital lending. It also welcomed SEBI's proposed Common Advertisement Code (CAC) 2026, which seeks to prohibit manipulative digital practices and strengthen transparency in advertisements and investor communications. The study argues that stronger verification mechanisms are needed instead of relying solely on company self-declarations.