Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Deceptive Dark Patterns
Why in the News?
The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) has released a report highlighting the use of deceptive dark patterns in Indian apps.
Key highlights of the ASCI Study:
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What are Deceptive Dark Patterns?
- These practices use elements of digital choice architecture, particularly in user interfaces.
- The goal is to manipulate or impair consumer autonomy, decision-making, or choice.
- These patterns are often subtle, directing users toward decisions that may not align with their true preferences.
- As a result, they compromise the ability of users to make informed choices.
Examples of Deceptive Patterns:
| Description | Example | |
| Interface Interference | Directs users to specific choices using visual tricks. | Highlighting preferred options with bright colors. |
| Confirm Shaming | Uses guilt to push users toward certain actions. | Options like “Upgrade now” vs. “I don’t want a smarter software.” |
| Basket Sneaking | Adds unwanted items to cart without consent. | Automatically adding a donation to the shopping cart. |
| Privacy Deception | Tricks users into sharing more personal data. | Requiring unnecessary personal info during signup. |
| Drip Pricing | Reveals extra fees late in the purchase process. | Adding hidden charges at checkout. |
| Subscription Trap | Leads to unintended subscriptions without clear notice. | “Free trial” that auto-renews to a paid plan. |
Importance of Ethical Design
- Raising Awareness: Marketers are encouraged to study the guidelines issued by ASCI and the Department of Consumer Affairs to avoid unethical practices.
- Conscious Patterns Website: Marketers can use resources like the Conscious Patterns website to test their apps and obtain a “conscious score” to ensure that their apps balance business needs with user interests.
- Digital Responsibility: As the digital world evolves, ethical design practices are crucial for building and maintaining trust with customers.
- Marketer and Designer Roles: Both marketers and app designers need to be vigilant about pursuing ethical design to create safe and trustworthy online environments.
PYQ[2015] What are the impediments in marketing and supply chain management in developing the food processing industry in India? Can e-commerce help in overcoming this bottleneck? |
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