Good News Dark Patterns: How Websites Trick You into Unwanted Decisions

[TheRealRohitM]

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs held a meeting on May 28, 2025, with over 50 e-commerce companies to tackle the issue of dark patterns — deceptive design tricks that manipulate consumers into making choices they wouldn’t normally make. The government is pushing for more transparency, especially regarding donations and hidden charges, and has already sent notices to 11 companies violating guidelines.

They also launched three apps: Jagruti, Jago Grahak Jago, and Jagruti Dashboard, to educate consumers about these manipulative tactics and help them protect themselves. Some common dark patterns include creating false urgency, adding hidden charges, and making subscriptions hard to cancel.

The goal is to create a more transparent, fair e-commerce ecosystem, where consumers can make informed decisions without being tricked. It’s a solid step in the right direction — what do you guys think? any experience regarding this?

Dark patterns are sneaky tricks websites and apps use to get you to do things you didn’t mean to. It could be stuff like hiding extra fees until checkout, making you feel rushed to buy with fake "limited stock" messages, or making it hard to cancel a subscription. Basically, it's all about manipulating you into actions that benefit the company, not you.

Sources suggest that companies have agreed to remove dark pattern let's see what happens.

Ps. Meanwhile flop kart crying in the corner

 

[MaxPayne]

making subscriptions hard to cancel

And also should take strict actions against enabling auto renewal by default during taking subscriptions as well. Who the hell gives such freedom to them for make our decisions by themselves for their own benefits?

 

[React]

First they should send notice to Zepto.

Now they started with a campaign called "Free 100 cash on every order"

Which includes Rs. 50 delivery fees
Processing fees Rs. 10
Handling fees Rs. 10.99 (0.01 Rs less to create illusion)
GST on these fees.
Effectively they are giving less than Rs.30 discount which they get back in grocery margin.

 

[RLOA]

We live in a country where "dark patterns" are experienced in real life, every day, every moment. Something should be done about that. Seems like an issue of social apathy at its core.

 

[iDJ]

I recall when I joined this website. They were offering free cookies. I even accepted those. I am yet to recieve it. This is outrageous.

 

[React]

First they should send notice to Zepto.

Now they started with a campaign called "Free 100 cash on every order"

Which includes Rs. 50 delivery fees
Processing fees Rs. 10
Handling fees Rs. 10.99 (0.01 Rs less to create illusion)
GST on these fees.
Effectively they are giving less than Rs.30 discount which they get back in grocery margin.

While Zepto try to fool us with dark pattern, I'm still taking advantage of it through my knowledge on "Operation Research" for my daily needs.

 

[React]

 

[React]

Another gambling offer from Zepto..
We need to place 6 orders this month to get 1.5k cash.
Twist is, now minimum order value is Rs.399 and by the end of 6th level, minimum order value can increase like anything anytime along with items prices, which inturn customer needs to spend more to complete this target.

 

[React]

Another fraud by Zepto in the name of "Zepto turning 4 gift box "

Zepto is tempting users to claim the gift worth of MRP Rs. 300 by placing an order of 549 or 649.
On delivery, the Gift box had crap sample packets with MRP worth less than Rs. 100.

After raising complaint, they refunded Rs. 200 back