21 Top E-commerce Sites Still Use Dark Patterns After Claiming They Removed Them: Report
In a shocking revelation, a recent report has found that 21 out of 26 major e-commerce platforms still use dark patterns, despite claiming to have removed them last week. Dark patterns refer to deceptive design tactics used by websites to manipulate users into making unintended purchases or decisions. The practice of drip pricing, or hidden charges, which is levied without prior intimation to the consumer, was still found on several popular e-commerce sites, including Flipkart, Myntra, Cleartrip, MakeMyTrip, BigBasket, Netmeds, TATA 1mg, Zomato, Blinkit, and Ixigo.
The report comes as a surprise, given that these e-commerce platforms had claimed to have removed dark patterns from their websites. However, it appears that many of them have continued to use these tactics, potentially deceiving consumers and violating their trust. The use of dark patterns is a serious concern, as it can lead to financial losses for consumers and damage the reputation of e-commerce platforms.
Drip pricing, in particular, is a common dark pattern used by e-commerce sites. It refers to the practice of charging consumers additional fees or charges without their prior knowledge or consent. These fees can include convenience fees, payment gateway charges, or other hidden costs. The use of drip pricing is problematic, as it can lead to consumers paying more than they expected, without being aware of the additional charges.
The report found that several e-commerce sites, including Zomato and Flipkart, still use drip pricing on their platforms. For instance, Zomato was found to charge a convenience fee of up to 10% on food orders, without clearly disclosing this fee to consumers. Similarly, Flipkart was found to charge a payment gateway fee of up to 2% on certain transactions, without providing clear information about this fee to consumers.
The use of dark patterns, including drip pricing, is not limited to these two e-commerce sites. The report found that several other popular platforms, including Myntra, Cleartrip, MakeMyTrip, BigBasket, Netmeds, TATA 1mg, Blinkit, and Ixigo, also use similar tactics. These platforms were found to charge additional fees, such as convenience fees, payment gateway charges, or other hidden costs, without providing clear information to consumers.
The continued use of dark patterns by e-commerce sites is a concern, as it can lead to financial losses for consumers and damage the reputation of these platforms. Consumers have the right to know what they are paying for, and e-commerce sites have a responsibility to provide clear and transparent information about their pricing and fees.
In recent years, there has been a growing awareness about the use of dark patterns by e-commerce sites. Consumers have become more savvy and are now demanding greater transparency and accountability from these platforms. Regulatory bodies, such as the Consumer Protection Act, have also taken steps to curb the use of dark patterns and protect consumer rights.
However, despite these efforts, the use of dark patterns remains a persistent problem. The report highlights the need for greater vigilance and enforcement to prevent e-commerce sites from using these tactics. Consumers must also be aware of their rights and take steps to protect themselves from deceptive design practices.
To avoid falling prey to dark patterns, consumers can take several steps. Firstly, they should always read the fine print and look for any additional fees or charges. They should also be wary of websites that use high-pressure sales tactics or create a sense of urgency to make a purchase. Additionally, consumers should check for reviews and ratings from other customers to get an idea of the website’s practices.
In conclusion, the report’s findings are a wake-up call for e-commerce sites to take consumer rights seriously and provide transparent and fair pricing practices. The use of dark patterns, including drip pricing, is a serious concern that can lead to financial losses for consumers and damage the reputation of e-commerce platforms. Consumers must be aware of their rights and take steps to protect themselves, while regulatory bodies must enforce stricter guidelines to prevent the use of deceptive design tactics.
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