Overview
- The Department of Consumer Affairs announced Thursday the Consumer Protection (E‑Commerce) (Amendment) Rules, 2026, which were published in the gazette and will take effect on January 1, 2027.
- Platforms must show both a reduced price and the 'prior price' defined as the lowest selling price in the 30 days before a discount was announced, a change meant to stop misleading 'fake discount' displays.
- The rules bar search‑result manipulations that mislead users and require paid or sponsored listings to carry clear, prominent disclosures so shoppers can tell paid placements from organic results.
- E‑commerce entities must follow the 2023 Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns, complete an annual self‑audit, and display a certificate of compliance to prove interfaces do not use deceptive UX tactics.
- The amendments require every platform to join the National Consumer Helpline convergence process, give complainants a copy of recorded complaints, have grievance officers acknowledge issues within 48 hours and resolve them within one month, while limiting use of consumer data without express consent.