Regulating Dark Patterns

Dark patterns are the manipulative tactics employed by companies to trick users into agreeing certain conditions which can later be used by companies to their advantage, also sometime referred to as deceptive patterns. Dark patterns cover a wide ambit of tactics including manipulative agreements, purposely making difficult to cancel services/subscriptions, sponsored ad campaigns, pop ups, etc. Not just the small companies but multinational tech giants are accused of employing deceptive patterns over its users. Dark patterns are negatively treated and their usage is absolutely discouraged but it is of significant importance to the companies. Laws in India are more consumer centric rather than favouring businesses in ambit of dark patterns. This paper focuses on understanding the areas constituting dark patterns and the latest developments relating to regulation of dark patterns taking reference from the European Union, the United States and the Indian stance on the same. Also in this paper the importance of dark patterns are enshrined and how it becomes an essential part of business transactions. Essential for both users as well as the companies.