Govt tightens e-commerce rules to curb price manipulation, dark patterns: What changes?
The Indian government has introduced new e-commerce regulations effective January 2027 to curb price manipulation and deceptive design practices. Platforms must now clearly disclose prior pricing, identify sponsored content, and comply with strict anti-dark pattern guidelines.
Why it matters
These rules significantly impact how major online marketplaces operate in India, aiming to increase transparency and consumer protection in the digital economy.
NEW DELHI: The government has amended the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020, notified under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, to tighten norms governing how online marketplaces display prices, search results and sponsored content, while imposing greater obligations on platforms over consumer complaints, data use and deceptive design practices.The Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) (Amendment) Rules, 2026 will come into force from January 1, 2027. The revised framework also seeks to strengthen disclosures around products and imported goods and curb charges for services unrelated to an e-commerce transaction.Key changesHere are the key changes as announced by the government:Discounts and price cuts: When a price reduction is announced, platforms must display both the reduced price and the “prior price”.
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