Irdai moves to ban 'dark patterns' on insurance websites

India's insurance regulator, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India, has moved to ban so-called dark patterns on insurance websites, targeting manipulative design practices that can mislead consumers into unintended purchases or choices.

Dark patterns are interface design techniques that nudge users towards decisions they may not have intended to make, such as hidden charges, confusing opt-out mechanisms, or pre-ticked consent boxes. Irdai's intervention signals growing regulatory concern over consumer protection in the online insurance market.

The move aligns with a broader push by Indian regulators across sectors to hold digital platforms accountable for transparent and fair user experiences.