Fake Bollywood teasers from brands once fooled fans. Now, instead of building anticipation, they get eye-rolls and comments like, 'Let me guess—another ad?'
Attempts by the consumer affairs ministry to prohibit a prescribed list of ‘specified dark patterns’ can be counterproductive. Product designers can exploit regulatory grey areas.
The new guidelines, applicable from 1 September, aim to curb companies misleading consumers about final price, remaining stock, among other 'dark patterns' in online advertising.
No clear central law on what differentiates brand extensions from surrogate ads, other issues like privacy also proving difficult to navigate, self-regulatory body’s CEO says in interview.
In FY 2025-26, AoN for 55 proposals amounting to Rs 6.73 lakh cr has been accorded by DAC. Both the quantum of AoN given and capital contracts signed, so far, have been the highest in any FY.
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