Technology Desk: If you do online shopping then there is big news for you. The government has made new rules for e-commerce companies. These rules will come into effect from January 1, 2027. The new rules aim to protect customers from fake discounts, misinformation and online shopping tricks.
The game will not work at discount
Now before showing discount on any item, the company will have to disclose its old price also. The old price will be considered to be the lowest price at which the item was sold in the 30 days preceding the discount. This will make it difficult for companies to show big discounts by increasing the old price.
Will not be able to do anything arbitrary even in search
E-commerce companies will not be able to mislead customers in search results. If any item is being shown in search for payment, then it will have to be clearly declared as sponsored or paid listing.
There will be strictness on dark patterns
Tricks that coerce or confuse the customer in some way during online shopping are called dark patterns. The government has also taken strict action against such activities.
Companies will have to check their platforms every year and declare that they are following the rules related to dark patterns.
Complete information about the goods will have to be given
Companies selling goods online will have to provide necessary information to the customer clearly. This will include information about the expiry or best before date of the goods, return and refund terms, warranty, delivery and payment information.
If the goods have come from abroad, then information about its importer and the country from which the goods have come will also have to be given.
You will get a copy after complaining
If the customer makes a complaint to the e-commerce company, then a copy of the complaint registered by the complaint officer of the company will have to be given to the customer.
Besides, e-commerce companies will also have to connect with the National Consumer Helpline (NCH).
No misuse of customer information
Companies will not be able to use the customer's data for any other purpose without the express consent of the customer.
Apart from this, such fees will also not be charged which are not related to the service of the e-commerce platform. However, loyalty and membership programs will be exempted as per the prescribed rules.
What will be the benefit to customers?
After the implementation of the new rules, customers will get more clear information about real discounts, old prices, product information and sponsored advertisements in online shopping. The government says that this will increase transparency in online shopping and it will be difficult for companies to mislead customers.
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