Indian online shoppers losing up to Rs 28,000 cr a year to dark patterns, hidden fees
Datum Intelligence study of 12 platforms and 2,590 consumers across 50 cities finds 88% of India's 304 million online buyers hit by manipulative design, costing Rs 78-87 per user monthly. Hidden charges rose to 63% from 52%; 73% of platforms use forced action. Amazon most trusted; Flipkart's distrust now exceeds trust; BigBasket and Cleartrip flagged.
Datum Intelligence report estimates Indian online shoppers lose Rs 25,000-28,000 crore yearly to dark patterns. Amazon ranks most trusted; Flipkart sees distrust exceed trust; BigBasket flagged in quick commerce; Cleartrip among most harmful in travel.
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