Dark Pattern in Online Trading – A Critical Examination of their Legality under Consumer Protection Laws
Author – 1: Damaraju Pradeep Kumar
Associate Professor
Affiliation: K.K.C. Law College, P.R. Mangalam, Puttur – 517583, Tirupati District.
Contact No.: 9440502640. E-Mail: damaraju.pradeep@gmail.com
Author – 2: Kandukuri Sai Krishna
Advocate, Tirupati. Tirupati District.
Abstract
This paper critically investigates “dark patterns”, deceptive online design methods that manipulate user choices, as they appear in online trading platforms. It analyses their legal treatment under India’s Consumer Protection Act, 2019, the CCPA Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns, 2023, and emerging SEBI frameworks governing trading transparency. Recent enforcement actions such as CCPA Vs. BookMyShow (2025) and SEBI Vs. Jane Street Group (2025) exemplify the transformation of interface ethics into legally actionable misrepresentation. The study integrates doctrinal legal analysis, empirical surveys, and case disposition summaries to examine regulatory gaps and propose enhanced governance pathways aligning with global ethical design standards.
Keywords: Dark Patterns, Online Trading, Consumer Protection, SEBI, CCPA Guidelines, Algorithmic Manipulation, Drip Pricing, Unfair Trade Practice
DOI link – https://doi.org/10.69758/GIMRJ/2510S01V13P010
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