India, May 28 -- Amid rising complaints about dark patterns being employed by online platforms, consumer affairs minister Pralhad Joshi has asked ecommerce companies to conduct self audits to analyse and remove dark patterns.

Chairing a high-level stakeholder meeting, Joshi said that there has been a significant surge in consumer complaints related to dark patterns on the National Consumer Helpline.

"Companies must not wait for the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) to intervene. They should proactively recognise and remove these deceptive practices before notices are issued. This is not just regulatory compliance-it's about building trust with your consumers," Joshi noted.

Department of consumer affairs' secretary Nidhi Khar...