Dark Patterns and Digital Deception: A Critical Analysis of Consumer Protection under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 in India

Author(s)	Dr. GAYATRI SHARMA
Country	India
Abstract	The rapid growth of digital commerce in India has fundamentally transformed consumer behavior and market structures. However, the digital marketplace has also become fertile ground for manipulative practices known as dark patterns, which subtly coerce consumers into making unintended choices. The Consumer Protection Act, 2019, together with the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) and the 2023 Guidelines for Prevention of Dark Patterns, represents India’s most ambitious attempt to address digital deception. This paper critically examines the adequacy of the existing legal framework in protecting consumers against deceptive online design strategies. It analyses statutory provisions, regulatory powers, judicial interpretations, and emerging challenges, and proposes reforms for strengthening consumer digital rights in India.
Keywords	Dark Patterns, Digital Deception, Consumer Protection Act 2019, CCPA, E-Commerce, Consumer Rights, India.
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 1, January-February 2026
Published On	2026-02-15

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