Consumer Affairs Ministry probes Flipkart and Amazon over dark patterns

Following Flipkart’s Big Billion Days and Amazon’s Great Indian Festival, the Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA) has stepped up scrutiny of both platforms over alleged “dark patterns,” including extra charges for cash-on-delivery (COD) and hidden handling fees.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said on Thursday that the ministry has received several complaints regarding additional costs imposed on consumers at checkout, despite advertised discounts.

 “Charging extra for COD is classified as a dark pattern that misleads and exploits…