Flipkart, Amazon, Meesho, Myntra on Alert: Govt Probes E-Commerce Platforms for Extra Cash-on-Delivery Charges; Dark Pattern Alert

Flipkart, Amazon, Meesho, Myntra on Alert: Govt Probes E-Commerce Platforms for Extra Cash-on-Delivery Charges; Dark Pattern Alert

New Delhi: Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Shri Pralhad Joshi announced that the Department of Consumer Affairs has launched a detailed probe into e-commerce platforms following complaints of extra charges being levied on Cash-on-Delivery (COD) transactions.

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In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Joshi called this practice a “dark pattern”—a manipulative design strategy that misleads consumers and unfairly exploits them.

The Ministry has assured that stringent action will be taken against violators to protect consumer rights, enhance transparency, and promote fair trade practices in the fast-growing Indian e-commerce ecosystem. So basically Flipkart, Amazon, Meesho, Myntra are under radar by the Government.

Consumer activists have long argued that COD charges unwillingly affect customers in Tier-II and Tier-III towns, where digital payment penetration remains limited. By classifying COD surcharges as a dark pattern, the government wants to takedown unfair digital trade practices.

The investigation is being closely monitored under the “Jago Grahak Jago” initiative, with the Ministry reiterating its commitment to keeping #ConsumersFirst.