Dark Patterns as Digital Consumer Abuse: Towards Criminalization under Indian Consumer Law

The rapid expansion of digital commerce has significantly increased the prevalence of dark patterns, posing serious challenges to consumer autonomy, informed consent, and fair market practices. This study examined the adequacy of the existing Indian legal framework in regulating deceptive digital interface designs and evaluated the need for selective criminalization of aggravated forms of digital consumer abuse. The doctrinal and comparative analyses indicate that the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020, and the Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns, 2023 have substantially strengthened consumer protection by recognizing and regulating deceptive online practices. Nevertheless, the current enforcement framework remains predominantly civil and administrative, which may not provide adequate deterrence against intentional, repeated, and financially harmful misconduct by digital platforms. The study concludes that criminal liability should not extend to every instance of dark patterns but should be confined to aggravated cases involving fraudulent intent, repeated violations, substantial consumer harm, or deliberate exploitation of vulnerable consumers. Such a proportionate regulatory approach would enhance legal certainty, strengthen consumer confidence, promote ethical digital commerce, and improve regulatory accountability without discouraging technological innovation. The study also contributes to the emerging discourse on digital consumer protection by proposing a balanced legal framework integrating consumer protection, data governance, and criminal accountability. Future research may complement this doctrinal analysis through empirical studies examining consumer awareness, enforcement practices, and the effectiveness of regulatory interventions in addressing deceptive digital practices.

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