Published 1 day ago • loading... • Updated 2 hours ago
Govt Tightens E-Commerce Rules to Curb Deceptive Pricing, Search Practices
The Indian government amended the Consumer Protection Rules, 2020, to enhance price transparency, regulate sponsored listings and dark patterns, and prevent search result manipulation, effective January 1, 2027.
E-Commerce platforms must display prior prices alongside discounted prices, disclose importer details and country of origin for imported goods, and provide clear labeling of sponsored listings.
Entities are required to integrate with the National Consumer Helpline grievance platform and provide consumers with copies of their complaints.
The amendments prohibit misleading flash sales, unauthorized use of consumer data, and collecting bundled fees for unrelated services without consent, while mandating annual self-audits on dark pattern compliance.