Fri Oct 03 18:44:31 UTC 2025: ## Summary:

Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi has announced that the government will be taking action against e-commerce companies employing “dark patterns,” specifically those that charge extra for Cash-on-Delivery (COD). This move is part of a broader effort to protect consumers from deceptive and manipulative online practices.

## News Article:

**Government to Crack Down on E-commerce Sites Charging Extra for Cash-on-Delivery**

**New Delhi:** The government is ramping up efforts to protect consumers from deceptive online practices, with Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi announcing a crackdown on e-commerce companies charging extra fees for Cash-on-Delivery (COD) options.

This move is part of a broader initiative to combat “dark patterns,” manipulative design tactics used by online retailers to mislead consumers into making unwanted purchases or divulging personal information.

“Charging extra for Cash-on-Delivery is a clear example of a dark pattern that disadvantages consumers,” Minister Joshi stated. “Companies employing such practices will now face action from the government.”

The announcement signals a more assertive stance from the Consumer Affairs Ministry in regulating the rapidly growing e-commerce sector. While the exact nature of the “action” was not specified, it is expected to involve potential penalties, warnings, and requirements for companies to remove the surcharge.

Consumer rights advocates have long criticized the practice of charging extra for COD, arguing that it disproportionately affects consumers in rural areas and those without access to digital payment methods. The government’s intervention is likely to be welcomed by these groups as a positive step towards creating a fairer and more transparent online marketplace for all Indians.

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