New Delhi: In a move to empower consumers and curb unfair practices in online transactions, the Department of Consumer Affairs will launch three new applications and platforms on National Consumers Day, December 24, 2024.
The first, aptly named “Jago Grahak Jago App,” will function as a consumer education and awareness tool. This app will provide real-time information on e-commerce URLs, alerting users if a link might be unsafe or potentially misleading. By equipping consumers with knowledge and insights, the “Jago Grahak Jago App” aims to foster informed decision-making in the digital marketplace.
Complementing this, the “Jagriti App” will empower consumers to actively participate in combating unfair practices. Users can report URLs where they suspect the presence of “dark patterns” – deceptive or manipulative design techniques that coerce consumers into actions they might not otherwise take. These “dark patterns,” declared illegal by the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), can include tactics such as creating a false sense of urgency or disguising advertisements as genuine content. Reports submitted through the “Jagriti App” will be directly registered as complaints with the CCPA, enabling swift action against such practices.
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To further enhance its enforcement capabilities, the CCPA will also launch the “Jagriti Dashboard.” This powerful tool will enable real-time monitoring of e-commerce URLs to identify and track the prevalence of “dark patterns.” By analyzing data and generating insightful reports, the “Jagriti Dashboard” will equip the CCPA with valuable information to effectively address these issues and protect consumer interests.
This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to combating the growing instances of consumer exploitation in the digital age. Following the issuance of Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns in 2023 by the CCPA, these new applications represent a significant step towards creating a more fair and transparent online marketplace for consumers.