Report by Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI), titled "Conscious Patterns," reveals that almost all Indian apps use deceptive or dark patterns in their business.
Dark Patterns
- Definition: Business practices employing elements of digital choice architecture, that impair consumer autonomy, decision-making or choice.
- Impact: Users often suffer financial losses, data breaches, and compromised privacy.
- Initiative: ASCI and Department of Consumer Affairs issued guidelines for the prevention and regulation of Deceptive Patterns in 2023.
Key Dark Patterns Identified by ASCI Study
- Privacy Deception: Manipulating users into unknowingly sharing more personal data than intended (e.g., permission for location tracking)
- Interface Interference: Hiding certain parts of the platform to misdirect users into taking actions (e.g., unlock cashback).
- Drip Pricing: Revealing additional fees gradually and making the final price higher than that originally quoted (e.g., packaging charges).
- False Urgency: Creating a sense of artificial pressure (e.g., only a few seats available).
- Confirm-Shaming: Using guilt or social pressure to manipulate users into confirming an action (e.g., choice between upgrade now vs. I don’t want a smarter software).
Conscious Pattern Website
- Based on the study a ‘’Conscious Pattern Website’ has been created.
- It enables makers to build Digitally Conscious Products.
- Its vision is to enable informed consumer choices online.