Crackdown on fake reviews: Government set to introduce stricter policies for e-commerce platforms

Shopping online often leaves consumers reliant on reviews to gauge the quality of a product, as photos and videos can be deceptive. However, the prevalence of fake reviews has raised concerns, prompting the central government to unveil a new policy aimed at curbing such deceptive practices.

Rohit Kumar Singh, Secretary of the Consumer Affairs Department, emphasized the need for transparency in product reviews. He stated, “We see a product with a rating of 4.5 stars, and we think it is a good product. But you don’t know who is the person selling the product. Who is checking that these star ratings are genuine? That is why the Bureau of Indian Standards has set a standard to prevent fake reviews.”

To tackle deceptive tactics employed by e-commerce platforms, the government is also addressing the issue of ‘dark patterns.’ E-commerce companies sometimes mislead customers with false information, such as claiming an item is out of stock, automatically adding items to the cart, and more. Guidelines have been issued to curb such misleading practices.

Furthermore, to simplify the process of unsubscribing from online services, the government is set to establish guidelines that ensure a hassle-free experience for consumers. Currently, many online subscriptions can be initiated with a single click, while the cancellation process is often cumbersome. The upcoming guidelines aim to streamline and simplify the unsubscribing process, empowering consumers with easier control over their online subscriptions.