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Do your apps steal from you? Know the 'dark patterns'
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Indian consumers lose up to Rs28,000 cr annually to dark patterns, as per a report from Datum Intelligence shared with Currant.

The survey showed that 88% of online buyers exposed each pay ₹78-87 a month, or ₹830-930 a year averaged across 304M shoppers.

The survey also highlighted an 'Awareness Paradox'. 81% of us know what dark patterns are, yet 85% of us still fall for them.

What you should know

  • •KNOW DARK PATTERNS 1. False Urgency: "Only 2 left!" on everyday items like onions or shampoo to force a panic buy. 2. Drip Pricing: Your ₹3,500 flight magically hits ₹5,000 at checkout once convenience fees and taxes "drip" in. 3. Bait and Switch: Clicking a fancy ₹499 deal only to find out the actual item costs ₹799. 4. Basket Sneaking: ₹30 "handling fees" or donations automatically added to your cart. 5. Forced Action: Requiring users to buy, subscribe, or sign up for unrelated services to proceed.
  • •RAISE COMPLAINTS You can also raise complaints. With the platforms as well as the National Consumer Helpline 1915. But a resolution may not always come. As per the survey, 53% file a complaint. Only 23% receive a satisfactory resolution.
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Do your apps steal from you? Know the 'dark patterns' | Currant