India Amends E-Commerce Rules to Curb Price Manipulation and Dark Patterns
· Business · Times of India, NDTV, Hindustan Times
The Indian government has amended the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020, to enforce stricter regulations on price transparency, search rankings, and sponsored listings on e-commerce platforms. Effective January 1, 2027, the new rules mandate platforms to display both discounted and prior prices for 30 days before a sale, prohibit search result manipulation, and clearly label sponsored listings. E-commerce entities must also comply with dark pattern guidelines, conduct annual self-audits, and integrate with the National Consumer Helpline (NCH) for grievance resolution. The changes aim to enhance consumer trust and provide clearer information on product details, seller credentials, and delivery terms. The NCH handled 17.7 lakh complaints in 2025, with nearly 30% related to e-commerce.
Why it matters
Consumers will gain better price visibility and protection against deceptive practices, while e-commerce platforms face higher compliance costs and accountability for consumer grievances. The rules aim to foster a fairer marketplace, benefiting both buyers and sellers by reducing fraud and improving transparency.
Read the original report — Times of India
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